An oblique muscle injury suffered during the second day of fall practice completely disrupted Garrett Nussmeier’s final season as LSU’s starting quarterback in 2025.
The muscle strain prevented Nussmeier from throwing effectively, causing severe pain with every pass attempt throughout the campaign. LSU head coach Brian Kelly initially kept details of the injury private until facing questions about his quarterback’s condition, though Kelly was dismissed before the season concluded.
“My injury occurred in fall camp — Day 2, practice two of fall camp. How much did it affect me? I think it was pretty evident,” Nussmeier explained regarding how the injury impacted his play. “I really wasn’t able to throw the football. I had a stabbing pain in my ab every time I went to go throw the football.”
The quarterback, whose father Doug Nussmeier serves as the Saints’ offensive coordinator and played in the NFL, compiled impressive career statistics with the Tigers, recording 52 touchdown passes against 24 interceptions while accumulating 7,699 passing yards.
LSU benched Nussmeier for the final three regular season games in 2025, ending his campaign with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. The disappointing finish came after he had deliberated whether to return to Baton Rouge following an outstanding 2024 season.
Now Nussmeier is working to establish himself as the second quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft during Senior Bowl activities. His primary competition for that distinction comes from SEC conference opponent Ty Simpson from Alabama. Simpson reported positive feedback from his meeting with New York Jets leadership, including head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Frank Reich.
The Jets hold the second overall draft selection, trailing only the Las Vegas Raiders at number one. Most draft analysts expect Las Vegas to choose Heisman Trophy recipient Fernando Mendoza from Indiana with the top pick.
Draft experts continue debating whether any other quarterback in this year’s class merits first-round consideration. Simpson expressed confidence in his readiness after leading Alabama for one season as the starting quarterback.
“First off, I think I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson declared. “Alabama prepares you the most for the NFL … The Alabama locker room is as close to an NFL locker room as you can get.”
NFL teams evaluating Nussmeier want confirmation of his recovery while also assessing whether his smaller frame can withstand professional football and if his arm strength meets starting quarterback standards.
Nussmeier explained that healing the injury during the season proved impossible because the weekly game schedule prevented the necessary rest and rehabilitation process.
“It was a frustrating deal, and it wasn’t LSU’s fault. It wasn’t the doctor’s fault. They did a great job of taking care of me and the trainers there,” Nussmeier said. “It was just a rare deal. It was just a thing that we really didn’t figure out what it was until about two months ago.”
The LSU signal-caller has made significant physical progress recently, rebuilding core strength over the past month.
“Feeling much more like myself, which has been exciting,” Nussmeier noted. “Learning how to retrain myself, get rid of the bad habits that I had created and just to be able to get to throw the football like I know I can.”
