NFL Draft Stock On The Rise For Garrett Nussmeier, Kyren Lacy

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and wide receiver Kyren Lacy have begun the new college football campaign in an incredibly impressive fashion. Both players have already raised their pre-draft stock by showcasing improvement. Another exciting opportunity is on tap against South Carolina this weekend.

Nussmeier sat last season behind Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels but made seven total appearances, starting the bowl game. Nussmeier threw for 395 yards and three touchdowns while executing a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Wisconsin.

Nussmeier has carried over that momentum into this season, his first as a starter. In a hard-fought Week 1 loss to USC, the Lake Charles native completed 76.9% of his passing attempts (30-of-39) for 308 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The Tigers quarterback followed that up with an appropriate performance the following week versus Nicholls, admittedly an opponent he’s supposed to dominate. Nussmeier threw for another 302 yards and six touchdowns, the second-most single-game TD total in program history.

Nussmeier's go-to target has been Lacy, LSU’s new No. 1 receiver this season following the departures of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Lacy recorded 30 receptions for 558 yards and seven touchdowns last season, impressive numbers considering he was playing third fiddle behind two eventual top-23 NFL picks.

Opponent aside, Nussmeier and Lacy put NFL throws and route-running ability on tape versus Nicholls. Lacy was efficient, scoring three touchdowns on five receptions for 65 yards. On this touchdown, Nussmeier did a fantastic job with ball placement considering he’s releasing the ball from the far hash to his playmaker.

And Lacy is an incredibly smooth operator for a big-bodied receiver listed at 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. Lacy was facing single coverage in the red zone as the "X" receiver on this score. Note the ability to stop on a dime with fluid change-of-direction ability on a pivot rote to uncover.

It was the continuation of what Lacy achieved against USC in Week 1. The well-rounded receiver had seven catches for 94 yards and a score against the Trojans in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic. His end-zone visit showcased elite high-pointing ability as a wideout who's capable of overwhelming cornerbacks in contested catch situations.

Nussmeier entered his third campaign under the tutelage of head coach Brian Kelly. Despite Nussmeier being a first-year starter, he's been mastering Kelly's offense since he was appointed in 2022. Lacy also joined the Tigers from Louisiana via the transfer portal in 2022, aligning his arrival with the new head coach. The sense of comfort between all three difference makers is evident on Saturdays.

The 2025 NFL Draft class remains in the analytical phase. There are lots of question marks surrounding this impending quarterback class, and wide receiver tiers are still being sorted through as well. Nussmeier and Lacy are positioning themselves at the forefront of those conversations.

The Tigers are touchdown favorites against South Carolina in Saturday's noon time slot. The undefeated Gamecocks were very impressive in Week 2, defeating Kentucky 31-6. If Nussmeier and Lacy put forth a third consecutive eye-opening showing, their pre-draft stock will continue trending in the appropriate direction.