As the excitement around the NFL Draft continues to grow, the latest 2026 Mock Draft has sparked an intriguing storyline. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is turning heads and is now projected to land with the New Orleans Saints. An ESPN analyst, Rece Davis, even believes Nussmeier could be the No. 1 overall pick in 2026.
However, such overwhelming predictions are nothing new, as the SEC consistently produces top talent, and Nussmeier’s rise up the draft boards is a clear example. But what feels even more logical is the possibility of a family reunion.
His father, Doug Nussmeier, is currently the Saints’ offensive coordinator, and the mock draft suggests that New Orleans could select the LSU QB as part of a revamp of their quarterback room, possibly with his father’s influence.
Garrett Nussmeier Projected To Land With Saints, Reunite With His Father in New Orleans
Nussmeier is entering his final season at LSU. As one of the top quarterback prospects for the upcoming draft, many teams will likely be interested in him. However, mock draft projections don’t always align perfectly, as the CFB community saw this year with Shedeur Sanders. Given the high level of competition at the quarterback position, anything can happen when the draft arrives.
Still, Nussmeier’s track record makes a strong case for his NFL potential. Last season, he started all 13 games for LSU and threw for 4,052 yards with 29 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. He completed 64.2% of his passes and even added three rushing touchdowns.
The 23-year-old concluded the season with an impressive performance, throwing for 313 yards and three touchdowns in a 44-31 victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl. If he stays healthy, his performance this season could shine even more.
Moreover, the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback room isn’t stacked by any means. Especially after Derek Carr’s retirement due to a shoulder injury, they are now legitimately in the market for a quarterback.
Currently, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener are battling for the starting role, but neither looks like a long-term answer. The Saints also picked Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 Draft, but he isn’t a clear choice to start either.
Since the Saints are actively searching for a starting quarterback, Nussmeier could be an ideal choice for them. Given that his father, Doug Nussmeier, is the team’s offensive coordinator, there is speculation that he might influence the team’s decision to select his son.
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While everything seems wide open for the 23-year-old, his direct competition with Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning could present a real challenge. Manning is considered a top prospect and is widely projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick. If the Saints secure a high draft pick, they might opt for Manning, but if they select later in the draft, Nussmeier could be a realistic option for them.
So, while the Saints definitely need a quarterback, whether they pick Nussmeier depends on where they land in the draft order and who is available.
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