Garrett Nussmeier’s Sacrifice Spoils Arch Manning’s Dream as New NFL Revelation Puts Texas QB on High Alert

The SEC is a quarterback crucible, churning out NFL stars from raw talent. Some names are anointed before they ever take a snap, carrying the weight of expectation like a family heirloom. Take LSU Tigers’ Garrett Nussmeier, for example. He’s back in Baton Rouge for 2025 to take care of some unfinished business. Coming off a 4,052-yard redshirt junior season, he’s got another shot at that next level—the one that he had this year too. But along the way, he’s shaking things up for one of the SEC’s biggest names and Texas’s fresh QB1.

Garrett Nussmeier could have walked away. The 6′ 2″ QB could have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, cashed in on a rising stock, and let the next era of LSU football begin without him. But the Lake Charles native chose to stay to save Brian Kelly. Instead of chasing the league, he’s doubling down on his development, setting the stage for a final season that could cement him as the top quarterback in the country. His sacrifice—choosing to stay rather than test the waters as a ‘projected top-5 QB.’ Now, one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the country is forcing analysts and scouts to reconsider who truly runs the conference.

On the latest edition of SEC Football Unfiltered, the USA TODAY Network’s panel didn’t hesitate. When given the choice between Nussmeier and the ‘prince of SEC,’ Arch Manning, the answer wasn’t simple. “He’s proven, and I love his arm. Don’t overthink this. I’m taking the top guy [Nussmeier],” John Adams said. Blake Toppmeyer, meanwhile, picked 19-year-old Manning, calling him “tremendous.” With a name like Manning and a football pedigree that’s pure royalty, he was destined to be the face of the SEC from day one at Texas. And many are already (way too early) projecting him as a Heisman contender and the #1 pick in 2026.

Yet, in the minds of some experts, the gunslinger from LSU has already surpassed him. And just when the buzz was beginning to settle, NFL Rookie Watch ignited the conversation again, posting a training clip that had scouts buzzing. “This THROW by Garrett Nussmeier,” the post read, as the LSU quarterback fired a deep pass with effortless velocity. As per the post, some scouts even had him graded above Shedeur Sanders in this year’s class. Many believe he has a real shot at being the top QB pick in the 2026 draft. And the scouting circle is comparing him to JJ McCarthy and Joe Burrow.

Numbers don’t lie, and Nussmeier’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of elite. He racked up a 29-12 touchdown-interception ratio in 13 games, proving he could thrive as LSU’s full-time starter. But stats alone don’t explain the growing belief that he could be the best quarterback in the country next season. It’s the way he plays—the aggressive yet calculated decision-making, the ability to stretch the field with pinpoint accuracy, and the fearless command of the offense.

Brad Crawford from 247Sports put it plainly: Nussmeier has “No. 1 overall pick potential.” And that projection isn’t just based on what he’s done—it’s about what he could become. With another full season under Brian Kelly and another year to refine his mechanics and build upon an already elite skill set, the ceiling for Nussmeier is as high as it gets.

So, if you’re building a depth chart, would you go with the #13 Tiger first, or gamble on the upside of the Longhorns’ Arch Manning? The SEC is never short on drama, and this quarterback battle might be one of the most fascinating storylines of the year.

Garrett Nussmeier has potential, but where does he actually lie?

With the predictions in, Garrett Nussmeier is about to put on a show in 2025. At least, that’s what 247Sports’ Brad Crawford thinks. He’s got Nussmeier projected for a monster season, throwing for 3,899 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 9 interceptions while completing 344-of-499 passes. That’s No. 1 overall pick kind of stuff, but he still isn’t No. 1.

“When he’s on, Garrett Nussmeier has No. 1 overall pick potential,” Crawford said. “When he’s off, the quarterback who once backed up Jayden Daniels can get in his head a bit, leading to mistakes.” Nussmeier has the tools to dominate, but he’s got to stay locked in. If he does, he could be the best quarterback in the country—or at least one of them.

247Sports released their “Top-10 quarterback” rankings for 2025, and Nussmeier landed at No. 2. The only guy ahead of him? Clemson’s Cade Klubnik took the top spot. Ironically, both are Tigers’.