Key Highlights
- After that, the rankings are unclear after many highly-touted prospects struggled in 2025. Texas’ Arch Manning returned to school after an inconsistent first year as a starter with the Longhorns.
- Oregon’s Dante Moore and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers returned as well. One quarterback who had first-round ambitions last summer is making his case to be the next passer selected after Mendoza: LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. The Tigers quarterback returned to Baton Rouge last fall looking to lead the program to a national championship.
- It didn’t pan out as planned - Nussmeier missed much of the season with a nagging injury. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat hasn’t stopped him from making strides in the last month on his journey to the next level. Falling short of expectationsNussmeier took over for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2024 for the Tigers and put on a show.
- He led the SEC in completions (337) and attempts (525) throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns.
- A three-game losing streak to Texas A&M, Alabama and Florida knocked LSU out of playoff contention but the team still finished well with a 44-31 win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl, where Nussmeier earned MVP honors. Turnovers were Nussmeier’s biggest knock from the 2024 season.