Pittsburgh Steelers Select LSU Football Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in Recent Mock

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier continues navigating a critical offseason with Week 1 against Clemson inching closer for the program.

The veteran signal-caller remains at the forefront of preseason Heisman Trophy conversations, 2026 NFL Mock Drafts and more while preparing for his fifth season in Baton Rouge.

Nussmeier is coming off of a productive first season as the starting signal-caller for the Bayou Bengals after patiently waiting his turn to earn QB1 reps.

The second-year starter joined Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow as the only players in program history to eclipse the 4,000-yard passing mark last year when he accounted for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first year as a starter.

Now in his fifth season at LSU, Nussmeier enters his senior season ranked No. 9 in program history for career passing yards (5,772) and tied for No. 5 in passing touchdowns (40).

LSU Tigers Football. — Dec 31, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) throws a pass during the first half against the Baylor Bears at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Ahead of the college football season, national analysts have begun locking in early 2026 Mock Drafts with Nussmeier receiving his latest projection.

ESPN's Field Yates revealed a full first round mock with Nussmeier sliding to the No. 16 slot with the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting the LSU signal-caller.

2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 is up
- A deep QB sends 6 in the top 16 picks
- A draft that’s stronger in the trenches that at skill positions
- Order determined by ESPN’s FPI

Note: football hasn’t even started. Consider these players the ones to watch!https://t.co/sXgymXe5k6
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 20, 2025

Pittsburgh will roll with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers as the organization's quarterback ahead of the 2025-26 season, but all eyes are on what the franchise will do moving forward.

The Steelers selected Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft where he's serving as QB3 on the latest depth chart behind both Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.

Now, with a quarterback heavy 2026 NFL Draft locked in for next year, could Pittsburgh select Nussmeier in the first round?

Pittsburgh Steelers. — Jul 24, 2025; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

LSU's signal-caller has been mocked in multiple different slots with No. 16 being on the lower end od recent projections.

Moving into the 2025 season in Baton Rouge, all eyes are on Nussmeier and Co. with a College Football Playoff caliber roster pieced together.

LSU will open the 2025 season on August 30. in a highly anticipated Week 1 clash at Clemson.

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