Nussmeier, a two-year starter at LSU, has an NFL-caliber arm and the requisite fearlessness and intelligence under center. The signal caller followed a 4,000-plus-yard passing campaign in 2024 at The Bayou that led to a first-round draft pick with an injury-plagued 2025 season that limited him to nine games and 1,927 yards passing with 12 touchdowns.
Nussmeier took over as the starter after Jayden Daniels’ Heisman Trophy run and threw for 5,979 yards, 41 TDs and 17 interceptions in 22 starts over the last two seasons for the Tigers.
The son of former NFL quarterback and current New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, the 24-year-old, in his prime, plays like one who received a lifetime of instruction. Nussmeier is a smooth passer with a good feel for what the defense is up to, the mental acumen to scramble through reads and the ability to quietly buy time in the pocket. His arm movement ability allows him to fit the ball in an NFL-sized window, and he shows fearlessness in running the ball.
While not a scrambler, Nussmeier is not a shortstop either, possessing the ability to get down feet first when needed. His confidence in the pocket and ability to buy splits of a second while avoiding sacks are strengths.
At 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Nussmeier lacks ideal size and sometimes relies too much on his strong arm, leading to a number of turnover-worthy plays. Even in his sensational 2024 season, he threw 12 interceptions. Too often, he locked onto a receiver and forced a throw instead of continuing in his progression – another trait of QBs who believe they can make every throw work. Moving forward, Nussmeier will have to learn when to give up leads, cut back on dangerous circus pitches and work on adjusting his fastball in short areas.
Nussmeier’s injuries in 2025, which sidelined and affected his play throughout the campaign, played a large part in his immaturity. Those injuries seem to have put off most teams.
In Kansas City, the LSU product should get significant reps this offseason if he stays healthy. With Mahomes recovering from a knee injury, KC brought in Justin Fields as a veteran backup.
There is room for long-term development projects. Nussmeier boasts the smarts, toughness and arm skills that could herald a long professional career that starts as a backup that could potentially develop into more. Throwing a seventh-round pick for a potential multi-year deal behind Mahomes is a solid plan for the Chiefs.