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LSU's Garrett Nussmeier's surprise connection with Saints can give him edge vs Arch Manning in 2026 NFL draft

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The Sporting News
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Garrett Nussmeier, a standout quarterback at LSU, has emerged as a potential top pick for the New Orleans Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft, largely due to his familial connection to the team. His father, Doug Nussmeier, was recently appointed as the Saints' offensive coordinator and has past ties as a reserve quarterback with the team. While Arch Manning is another strong contender for the position, Garrett's consistent performance at LSU strengthens his candidacy. Although some speculate about nepotism, Garrett's achievements stand on their own merit, and his father's experience could be beneficial for the team. The dynamic of the father-son duo working together could significantly impact the Saints' future, though the outcome remains uncertain.

LSU's Garrett Nussmeier's surprise connection with Saints can give him edge vs Arch Manning in 2026 NFL draft

Context:

Garrett Nussmeier, a standout quarterback at LSU, has emerged as a potential top pick for the New Orleans Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft, largely due to his familial connection to the team. His father, Doug Nussmeier, was recently appointed as the Saints' offensive coordinator and has past ties as a reserve quarterback with the team. While Arch Manning is another strong contender for the position, Garrett's consistent performance at LSU strengthens his candidacy. Although some speculate about nepotism, Garrett's achievements stand on their own merit, and his father's experience could be beneficial for the team. The dynamic of the father-son duo working together could significantly impact the Saints' future, though the outcome remains uncertain.

Dive Deeper:

  • Garrett Nussmeier, who plays as a quarterback at Louisiana State University, is being considered for a top position with the New Orleans Saints due to his impressive performance and his father's new role with the team.

  • Doug Nussmeier, Garrett's father, is the newly appointed offensive coordinator for the Saints and has past experience as a backup quarterback for the team from 1994 to 1997, which adds a unique personal dimension to Garrett's prospects.

  • Although Arch Manning is also viewed as a strong candidate to succeed Derek Carr for the Saints, Garrett's consistent achievements and connections provide him with an edge in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

  • Some may question the influence of Doug Nussmeier on his son's career path, but Garrett's track record of impressive results with LSU suggests that his capabilities are acknowledged independently of his father's position.

  • The possibility of Garrett and Doug Nussmeier collaborating at the Saints offers an intriguing narrative and potential for the team, yet the team's future and decisions remain unpredictable.

  • Despite the speculation of nepotism, Charles Goldman argues that the potential pairing of Garrett with his father could lead to an exciting era for the Saints, enhancing the team's prospects in drafting a top quarterback.

  • Doug Nussmeier's prior experience with the Philadelphia Eagles is expected to aid him in navigating the Saints' quarterback situation by identifying and nurturing new talent, which could complement his son's skills effectively.

  • In an absolutely wild frenzy of hypothetical talks, Arch Manning is buzzing as the next big face of the Saints after Derek Carr's retirement

  • In another equally wild theory, Garrett Nussmeier has a better shot at that position than Manning for a simple link he shares with New Orleans: his father. 

  • "Beyond being a quarterback at Louisiana State University, Garrett has new familial ties to the New Orleans Saints that could be influential here. When Klint Kubiak left for the Seattle Seahawks, the Saints hired Philadelphia Eagles QB coach Doug Nussmeier as their offensive coordinator. Doug is Garrett's father and a former New Orleans Saints quarterback, serving in a reserve capacity behind Jim Everett and others from 1994-1997," A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman explains. 

  • Several top mock drafts have the LSU stand out as one of the top QBs off the board, and New Orleans will almost certainly a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

  • There is a less-than-zero chance of them picking up the QB, thanks to Papa Nussmeier's influence.

  • Calling this influence nepotism would be wrong, given that the QB has consistently given impressive results with LSU, even though he couldn't get them to the College Football Playoff.

  • "Nepotism isn't the best way to run an NFL franchise, but pairing the younger Nussmeier with his father could be an exciting combination for New Orleans," Goldman wrote.

  • And it won't be just Garrett proving himself. 

  • "The elder Nussmeier will have to prove himself as offensive coordinator with a less-than-ideal quarterback situation in 2025. Still, his experience in Philadelphia should set him up for success when finding the Saints' next great quarterback prospect," Goldman wrote.

  • The mere possibility of the father-son duo working to build the franchise sounds nothing less than thrilling. How it plays out, though, would be a whole different story.

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