With the NFL season days away, NFL front offices have already begun planning for the future. In the dying days of summer, NFL scouts have begun preparing & observing the start of the college football season. With the New York Jets being no exception. While having a first-time general manager and head coach, New York wants to get an early start on a promising 2026 NFL Draft class. Especially at quarterback. Thus, the team sent their scouts to the LSU vs. Clemson game on Saturday. After a thrilling Louisiana State victory, the media recognized the efforts of the Tigers promising senior quarterback. Deciding to return after a productive junior year, Garrett Nussmeier is out to prove he’s more than just a first-round pick.
With a major win under his belt to start the year, the quarterback could be on the Jets radar. Draft analysts have already mocked Nussmeier to New York recently. Could the SEC’s best upperclassman be New York’s next franchise quarterback?
QB Prospect New York Jets Linked to Shines in Season Opener
As a new regime took over, Jets fans are entering the season with tempered expectations. While many are elated about the potential Aaron Glenn will have revitalizing the defense, New York will need patience with their offense. Thus far, the team’s stable offensive line should succeed in creating running lanes for Breece Hall and the running back room. Alas, their passing game, led by quarterback Justin Fields, will be inconsistent.
Despite showing marked improvement within the pocket with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, he’s not accurate enough as a passer to overcome the Jets limited non-Garrett Wilson wide receivers. On the bright side, Fields’s fondness for tight ends bodes well for rookie tight end Mason Taylor’s development. But barring a breakthrough season, the Jets will likely seek a long-term replacement for Fields in 2026. If the Jets do move on from Fields, Mason Taylor’s former LSU quarterback could be an option.
Nussmeier sends the back in motion, checks into a screen, gets them to check, sends the TE in motion to declare Cover-0 (SS goes), flips the back to pick up the extra rusher to that side. Had a good look for this screen.
Totally undressed the disguise, lost art https://t.co/HLg9p2L5bc pic.twitter.com/z2H2Ez0VaH
— Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) August 31, 2025
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LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier linked to the New York Jets in mock draft
Without a single snap of college football played, that hasn’t stopped analysts from creating mock drafts for 2026. Although it’s extremely early, it does give fans the opportunity on who to keep an eye on this fall. For example, renowned NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay published his first 2026 mock draft earlier this month. In it, McShay projected the New York Jets selecting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at fourth overall.
Nussmeier is a very promising quarterback. A second-generation prospect, his father Doug started at the University of Idaho before being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1994. Today, the elder Nussmeier is back with the Saints as their offensive coordinator. As for Garrett, the prospect has demonstrated great arm strength and an ability to throw with touch between defenders.
While his small frame at only 200lbs at 6’2″ can leave him prone to injury, he stays composed in the pocket and possesses a willingness to absorb hits to give his receivers time. Last season, Nussmeier threw for over 4,000 yards and completed 64% of his passes, including 29 touchdown passes to only 12 interceptions. While he will have to prove he can maintain LSU’s efficient offense after the talent that left in 2024, Nussmeier has great potential.
Nussmeier Proves to be a Difference Maker in Week One Victory vs. Clemson
While Nussmeier has his fans, many also watched LSU vs. Clemson to observe Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik as well. Thus far, Klubnik had entered the season as the projected favorite to go first overall. However, his showing in the season opener left much to be desired. Facing a dominant SEC defense, Klubnik managed to complete 19/38 passes for 230 yards and a costly interception. Due to the inefficient offense, Clemson lost 17-10 vs. LSU.
This throw from Garrett Nussmeier to Barion Brown is insane. Ridiculous ball placement. pic.twitter.com/I9vOQZnhr5
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) August 31, 2025
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Meanwhile, Garrett Nussmeier took full advantage of the opportunity and shone. Nussmeier finished the game going 28/38 for 230 yards and an eight-yard touchdown pass to Trey’Dez Green. This includes no turnovers as well. It was a prominent performance vs. a talented Clemson defense, featuring another future first-round pick in defensive tackle Peter Woods. Nussmeier would have performed better if the officials hadn’t overruled a controversial catch for Barion Brown that would have been a 29-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.
Garrett Nussmeier’s Fit with the Jets
Garrett Nussmeier would be a promising quarterback for the New York Jets. While there are flaws in his game, Tanner Engstrand can develop a passing game to improve Garrett Nussmeier’s ability to process reads faster. In addition, the New York Jets potential selection of Garrett Nussmeier would allow Nussmeier to reunite with Mason Taylor. Through their lone season together, Nussmeier helped Taylor break the school receptions record by a tight end with 55. In addition, Garrett Wilson will also appreciate Nussmeier’s underrated athleticism to extend plays. After Tanner Engstrand worked with Ben Johnson to help revitalize Jarred Goff in Detroit, Nussmeier could be able to provide a higher ceiling if New York can replicate the Lions passing game.
Main Photo: [Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network South Carolina] – Imagn Images
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