Garrett Nussmeier has always had the arm, the moxie, and the gunslinger mentality. But after LSU Tigers’ Pro Day, he has something even more important—momentum. The Tigers’ QB1 put on a show in Baton Rouge, delivering frozen ropes to receivers in stride and showcasing the kind of footwork and anticipation that has scouts buzzing. The zip on his throws was evident, but what really turned heads was his presence. And with the quarterback carousel already in motion in the NFL, one particular $4.4 billion franchise might be keeping an especially close eye on him, which could be a “cool story.”

There could be some googly eyes on Brian Kelly’s QB1 Nuss. Appearing on After Further Review, NFL Insider Ross Jackson dropped a compelling nugget about the New Orleans Saints. Nussmeier’s ties to the organization go beyond just being a local Louisiana prospect. And why not when Garrett’s father, Doug Nussmeier, is now the Saints offensive coordinator. “Obviously, like, you know him, and the New Orleans Saints are going to be a part of a bunch of consistent conversations over the course of this year because the future at quarterback has big question marks for New Orleans right now,” Jackson said. The Saints, who have been in QB purgatory since Drew Brees retired in 2020, need an answer under center, and the dots are connecting in a way that feels impossible to ignore.

Jackson didn’t stop there. He went on to explain just how deep this potential connection runs. “Doug was a quarterback here in New Orleans, drafted by the New Orleans Saints back in the ’90s,” he pointed out. “It’s gonna be a cool story, and so I think a lot of people are going to be watching for that.” Nussmeier is a name that carries weight in the Saints’ organization—not just because of his dad’s past, but because of his future. Jackson even threw out another name the Saints could have their eyes on: Arch Manning.

“I would expect the two names to pick up the most steam in terms of the New Orleans sphere over the course of the next year are going to be quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and then, of course, Arch Manning right over in Texas,” he said. “And look, we don’t know if Arch is actually even gonna come out next year, but Nussmeier will be out, and so I think that an opportunity there for him and the Saints to keep in constant communication, whether Garrett likes it or not, considering his dad’s an employee.”

And voila! Look what happened. The Saints’ official X account posted a clip of Garrett Nussmeier, making sure to point out that he’s the son of their OC. It wasn’t just a casual mention—it was a clear sign that New Orleans is paying attention. Doug Nussmeier, a former NFL quarterback himself, played for the Saints and the Indianapolis Colts before transitioning into coaching.

He’s been around the league, leading offenses for teams like the Cowboys and the Jaguars. Now, he’s tasked with fixing a Saints offense that has struggled to find consistency at the most important position in football. Could his own son be the answer?

Meanwhile, Brian Kelly and LSU are locked into their spring grind, with Nussmeier gearing up for what could be a Heisman-contending season in 2025. Day 9 of spring camp wrapped up in Baton Rouge, and there’s no shortage of excitement around the Tigers’ QB1. After biding his time behind Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier now has full control of the offense and is poised to make the most of it.

The road from Baton Rouge to New Orleans isn’t long, but the journey from college quarterback to NFL starter is never a straight path. If the Saints are truly circling, it could be one of the most intriguing storylines of next year’s draft cycle.

Garrett Nussmeier shines at Pro Day

The Garrett Nussmeier era at LSU is in full swing, and heading into his second season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback in 2025, he’s got plenty of hype surrounding him—including early Heisman buzz.

Tigers OC Joe Sloan recently spoke with Sports Illustrated about Nussmeier’s growth, particularly in his leadership and confidence. “I’ve really seen his leadership. I think his confidence and who he is as a person, just his leadership carry over,” Sloan said. “He was always a leader. But I think he’s done an excellent job of that, just really being organic, being real, being genuine. The guys are gravitating to it. It’s been good to see.”

Nussmeier has already shown flashes of brilliance on the field. QB Spotlight’s Steven Hamner analyzed his film from LSU’s game against Ole Miss last season and pointed to a clutch 4th-and-5 touchdown pass to Aaron Anderson, calling it “an NFL-type throw for a touchdown.”

Hamner also praised Nussmeier’s pocket presence and gunslinger mentality, which makes him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football heading into 2025.