Can Garrett Nussmeier silence the critics in 2025? That’s a million dollar question. Or, more accurately, the potential $5.5 billion franchise QB question. Maybe he’s back in Baton Rouge because Brian Kelly lost Bryce Underwood to Michigan, but one more year can potentially up his draft stocks. In 2024, he may have racked up 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, finishing second in the SEC. But behind the numbers are concerns. And his draft stocks could take an early hit after a blunt revelation by a CBS Sports analyst. 

Adam Breneman isn’t sugarcoating anything. In a new YouTube episode on Locked on SEC on February 14, he pointed out the concern regarding Garrett Nussmeier. While he touted him for his overall season performance leading the Tigers to a 9-4 record, he sees the concerns. “Do I think he can put a team on his back and go win a National Championship when he’s forced to throw the football and forced to win the game with his arm?” Breneman stated. “I don’t think so from what I’ve seen, and we’ve seen him make too many mistakes in some of the critical moments of games that have come back to hurt him.”

In 2024, Garrett Nussmeier was a polarizing QB, showing flashes of brilliance in addition to critical shortcomings, especially in high-stake games. Perhaps the best instances would be the games against Texas A&M and Alabama, where he suffered turnover issues. In the second half of their game against the Aggies, Nussmeier threw three interceptions that were all turned into TDs by their opponents, who ultimately won 38-23. The misfortune followed him into the next Alabama game, where he again made three turnovers, including a critical interception in the end zone that left them hanging on the scoreboard at 42-13.

ESPN Draft analyst Matt Miller also has concerns regarding the LSU QB. “Inconsistent reading the field and makes some late decisions that are backbreakers,” he stated. “I think his lack of size and inexperience would have really cost him when scouts dug in all the way on his tape.” Nussmeier has a decent 78.2 QBR (ranking 14th) and a good awareness of his passing options. He’s accurate on short and medium throws, but his deep pass is a problem. His QBR on vertical throws is a dismal 21.6 (117th in FBS), showing he struggles to stretch the field. Could these past ghosts become a potential roadblock for his early NFL interest? 

Garrett Nussmeier earns the Saints’ interest

One NFL team is already eyeing Garrett Nussmeier—the New Orleans Saints. And the connection makes sense. With former Eagles OC Kellen Moore stepping in as the new HC, there’s speculation that he could bring in a familiar face as his OC: Doug Nussmeier, Garrett’s father. He’s been around the NFL as the Eagles’ QB coach last season, with prior stints with the Cowboys and Chargers. Also a former college football OC, it’s not uncommon for people to think his son would follow him to New Orleans if he goes there. 

For now, the Saints lack no depth in the QB room with Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener. But Carr’s future is shrouded in suspense with a potential cut-off. If they don’t draft a QB in 2025, the door could be open to Garrett Nussmeier in 2026. But it’s all speculation for now. The 23-year-old has a crucial season ahead of him. He needs to prove he can clean up the turnovers, improve his decision under pressure, and become the kind of quarterback who can truly carry a team to a championship. 

If Garrett Nussmeier fails to deliver, that Saints’ interest, or any other NFL hype, might just disappear quickly.