The landscape of college football continues to shift as we delve deeper into the 2025 season, especially among the quarterback prospects for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Leading the pack this week is Garrett Nussmeier, the LSU quarterback whose performance solidified his spot at the top of the rankings.
Nussmeier’s Stellar Performance
In a decisive victory against Southeastern Louisiana, Nussmeier demonstrated his ability to both command the pocket and make precise throws. He completed 80.6% of his passes, throwing for 273 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding another touchdown on the ground. Nussmeier’s capacity to extend plays and find open receivers was evident, particularly highlighted by a crucial third-and-goal completion just before halftime. This outing marks a significant improvement from a less impressive performance against Florida, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
Coach Brian Kelly has noted Nussmeier’s recovery from a torso injury sustained in the offseason, which appears to have positively impacted his performance. As the SEC schedule heats up, Nussmeier faces Ole Miss next, a game that could further showcase his skills against a competent defense.
The Competition He Faces
While Nussmeier currently reigns supreme, he faces stiff competition from several quarterbacks in this draft class. Players like Dante Moore, Chris Rodriguez, and other standout performers have also started to make headlines as the season progresses. For example, Indiana’s Brendan Mendoza continues to impress with his dual-threat capability, tossing five touchdowns in his recent matchup against Illinois. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers is attempting to improve his decision-making while trying to improve his draft stock as well.
The pressure on Nussmeier will only increase as he and his peers gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating conference slate. Each game now has significant implications, not only for team rankings but also for individual draft stock.
Prospects Under Scrutiny
One notable topic of discussion is how different experts and former players perceive the evolving rankings and the strengths of various quarterbacks. For instance, Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw has recently expressed skepticism regarding Shedeur Sanders, a name that often enters conversations regarding the 2026 draft class. Although Sanders has garnered considerable buzz, Bradshaw isn’t fully convinced that he will excel at the next level.
Similarly, draft rankings can be a double-edged sword. A strong performance in one week can catapult a player into top-tier consideration, while a lackluster outing can lead to significant drops. As seen previously, a year ago at this time, players like Cam Ward weren’t even being discussed as potential first-round picks. It is crucial for every prospect, including Nussmeier, to maintain consistent performance to lock in their rankings.
Looking Ahead: Key Matchups
Week 5 of the college football season presents critical matchups that can alter the trajectory of the quarterback rankings dramatically. For quarterbacks like Nussmeier, the focus will be on maintaining composure in high-pressure situations against formidable opponents. The upcoming showdown against Ole Miss is not just a game for Nussmeier; it’s an opportunity to reinforce his position as the leading quarterback prospect.
Mendoza’s showdown against Iowa’s formidable defense is another game to watch closely. How he performs could solidify his status among the elite quarterbacks of the draft class. Also worth noting is LaNorris Sellers, who needs to demonstrate better decision-making against Kentucky, or he risks falling further behind Nussmeier in the eyes of scouts.
Analysis of the Top QB Prospects
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU: Continues to impress with his ability to make plays under pressure and run the offense effectively.
Brendan Mendoza, Indiana: Showed promise but needs to demonstrate consistency against tougher competition.
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina: Has displayed potential but must refine his decision-making to climb higher in the rankings.
Dante Moore, UCLA: Continues to develop as a dual-threat but has to maintain production against strong defenses.
- Mateer, Auburn: Despite recent injury issues, he is a name to watch as he was previously on the rise and has shown strong potential.
Conclusion
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the landscape remains fluid, with Garrett Nussmeier at the forefront currently but closely followed by a group of gifted quarterbacks. Each week, performances will dictate a prospect’s value and standing in the eyes of NFL scouts. This competitive nature keeps fans, analysts, and teams watching closely, albeit with the understanding that the unpredictability of college football can rapidly change the narrative. For now, Nussmeier’s ascent maintains momentum with much at stake in the upcoming weeks—a perfect recipe for captivating college football enthusiasts and NFL draft fans alike.
The football world will keep a watchful eye on Nussmeier and his fellow prospects—who will rise, who will fall, and who ultimately will hear their name called first come draft day.
