The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier plans on taking full advantage. Nussmeier recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Nussmeier also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, overcoming adversity at quarterback, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Nussmeier better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?
Garrett Nussmeier: I was really excited when I got the call. I’ve been dreaming about playing in the Senior Bowl since I was a little kid. I’m blessed to have this opportunity, to potentially get drafted and play in the NFL, and everything that comes with it.
The Senior Bowl is a big part of the process. The NFL Combine, the Senior Bowl, it’s all one big process. I’m super blessed and excited for the opportunity. I’m very, very grateful.
JM: It doesn’t sound like you needed much convincing, but what motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Garrett Nussmeier: The opportunity to attend the Senior Bowl with the best of the best, it was an easy decision. I’m excited to get out there and put myself on that platform. It’s good versus good in Mobile. We’re all trying to create an opportunity for ourselves.
The Senior Bowl creates a competitive environment. It’s something I’m looking forward to.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Garrett Nussmeier: I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m going out there to prove anything. I’m just going to try and be myself out there. I want to maximize the opportunity. I’m going to have a good time with my teammates.
There’s obviously a competitive side to it as well. I’m very competitive at heart. I still wouldn’t say I’m going out there to push or prove anything, but every time I step on the field, I obviously want to be at my best, the best possible version I can be of myself.
JM: Speaking of, how would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Garrett Nussmeier: I think my biggest superpower is my ability to connect with my teammates and lead a locker room. I love being that guy for my team. I go out there willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done for the guys around me.
I’m a tough player. I’m willing to sit in that pocket and do whatever it takes. I think I have a special ability to diagnose defenses at the line of scrimmage. I make sure we’re in the correct play. I’ve always thrived in the mental aspects of the game.
I can also throw the ball around the field. I’ve always had faith in my arm. I’ve grown, developed, and matured as a thrower. I understand when and where to take opportunities. I know when to check it down, throw it away, take a shot, things of that nature.
All of those traits combined, that’s what makes me, me.
JM: That’s a great answer. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL quarterback, who would you choose and why? Anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?
Garrett Nussmeier: I really love watching Matthew Stafford. I have a very similar play style to him. I watch a lot of his tape and try to learn anything I can from him. I also grew up watching a lot of Drew Brees. I try to model a lot of my game after his. I’d have to say those two quarterbacks.
JM: Those are great choices. You had a lot of freedom in that LSU offense. As an experienced quarterback, how do you balance being aggressive with taking what the defense gives you?
Garrett Nussmeier: Something about me as a player, I’m naturally aggressive. I love taking those opportunities. Even early on in my career, maybe when it wasn’t there, I tried to force some things.
That’s something I had to learn as I matured and grew as a quarterback. I understand down and distances and looking for the right opportunity. It’s all about the right in-game situations. What coverage are we facing? There’s so much that goes into it.
I think that’s where I’ve grown the most as a quarterback over the last year and a half, to be honest with you.
JM: I want to expand on the responsibilities you had at the line of scrimmage. How much freedom were you given to run the offense? How is that going to help you transition to the NFL?
Garrett Nussmeier: I was fortunate to play in a pro-style offense. I was doing everything you see quarterbacks do on Sundays. I made all the protection checks and run-game IDs.
I was in charge of everything. That might scare some people, but I welcomed the challenge. I had to study and get better. It improved my overall knowledge of the game. I understand different looks.
My experience in the SEC helped a ton, too. I played the game and understood the game in the toughest conference. I enjoyed having that freedom. Now, if I end up playing in a system where I’m not asked to do those things, that’s fine too.
I definitely enjoyed having that responsibility, though. I love the mental aspects of the game. It’s almost like a chess game. It doesn’t happen as much anymore, especially in college.
You hear old stories about Tom Brady and Peyton Manning; they were doing all of the checks and having a mental battle. It’s something I really enjoy and study a lot. I’m thankful to the LSU coaching staff for giving me that freedom. I consistently got us in the right play.
JM: That's a terrific, in-depth answer. NFL teams are going to ask difficult questions throughout the pre-draft process. This past season didn’t go according to plan for you and the entire program, really. NFL teams will ask about that adversity. How do you plan on responding?
Garrett Nussmeier: Adversity made me who I am. I speak to my foundation for one. I’m a believer in Jesus Christ and God. I place my trust and faith in him when times get tough.
There were definitely some tough times. I learned how to push through them. What happened to me this past season is the best thing that could have happened to me. It wasn’t what I wanted it to be, but I learned so much because I experienced those tough times.
That’s the reason I’m going to have a Gold Jacket. That’s the reason I’m going to play in the NFL for 20 years. I’m frustrated with how the year went, obviously. Anyone would be. I wish things would have gone differently.
But everything happens for a reason. Going through that experience only helped make me better.
JM: You learned from it. What’s on Garrett Nussmeier’s pre-game playlist?
Garrett Nussmeier: NBA Youngboy. There’s a lot of Youngboy on there for me, him, and Rod Wave. A combination of the two.
JM: This has been an outstanding conversation, highlighting why you’re one of the best quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft. We’ve appreciated your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Garrett Nussmeier?
Garrett Nussmeier: It means I went out there and took advantage of my opportunity to play against the best of the best. I’m going to be myself and play to the best of my abilities. I’m going to soak up the process, take it in, and be thankful.
God has blessed me with this chance. I’m going to put my best foot forward. I’m going to be Garrett Nussmeier. The rest will take care of itself.