Garrett Nussmeier has become a name to know in college football. The LSU quarterback stepped into the spotlight after Jayden Daniels left for the NFL, and he’s making the most of his chance. In his first full season as a starter in 2024, Nussmeier lit up defenses, throwing for over 4,000 yards and showing he’s got the tools to lead.
Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft on the way, he’s catching the eye of scouts and analysts. One big voice, NFL Draft expert Todd McShay, has dropped a comparison that’s calling attention: Nussmeier reminds him of Baker Mayfield, the former Heisman winner and No. 1 overall pick.
Todd McShay Breaks Down Why LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Reminds Him of Baker Mayfield
NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay has spent years studying QBs, and when he talks, the football world listens. He recently shared his thoughts on Nussmeier after digging into his game film. He sees a clear link to Baker Mayfield, pointing to how both players approach the game and perform under pressure.
Watching Nussmeier play will make it evident; he has guts. He’s not afraid to sling the ball into tight windows or take chances downfield. That’s the same fire Mayfield brought to Oklahoma, where he turned risky plays into big rewards. McShay calls Nussmeier’s style a “thrill ride,” and it’s easy to see why.
Studying tape on Garrett Nussmeier in preparation for Thursday’s show (Summer Scouting Series continues). There are so many similarities to Baker Mayfield in his game. Couple bumps in the road but mostly a thrill ride!
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) May 20, 2025
In 2024, he threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 13 starts. Those picks show he’s not perfect, but they also prove he’s willing to test defenses, a hallmark of Mayfield’s college days.
Both quarterbacks share that go-for-broke mindset. Nussmeier scrambles to keep plays alive, fires off-balance throws, and trusts his arm to make something happen. It’s not always pretty, but when it works, it’s electric. Mayfield rode that same energy to a Heisman Trophy and the top of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Beyond the flash, Nussmeier has the fundamentals to back it up. Nussmeier’s dad, Doug, is an NFL offensive coordinator with the Saints, and that coaching influence shows. When Nussmeier sets his feet, he delivers strikes at the perfect height for his receivers. It’s the kind of accuracy that made Mayfield a standout at Oklahoma and a fit for the pros.
Nussmeier’s quick reads and smooth mechanics give him an edge. He processes fast, finds his targets, and gets the ball out cleanly. Sure, he’s not flawless; those 12 interceptions point to moments where he forces throws he shouldn’t.
But Mayfield had his growing pains in college, and he figured it out. Nussmeier’s got that same base to build on, and, of course, scouts are taking notice.
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The 2026 NFL Draft is still a ways off, but Nussmeier’s name is already popping up in big spots. McShay’s early mock draft has him going No. 1 overall to the New York Jets, a bold call that reflects his upside.
Quarterbacks who can create outside the pocket and make plays alone are gold. Nussmeier fits that mold, and it’s pushing him up the ranks. If Nussmeier’s 2025-26 level of play is on the 2024-25 level, he could fulfill McShay’s prediction.
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