Drew Nussmeier, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior quarterback, has been in the headlines of late as he prepares for the upcoming college football season. Nussmeier would’ve had a tough 2024 run at Stanford, where he mostly played as a designated pass rusher. Rather than declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, he made the decision to come back to the classroom. This decision turns him into one of the most interesting players to monitor ahead of the 2026 draft class. He’s looking to refine his skills as much as possible and improve his odds of landing with a top pick.
Yet Nussmeier’s individual performance last season was an interesting case. He passed for 405 yards and three touchdown passes versus Texas A&M. However, did his overall consistency, or lack thereof, give you pause? In those two SEC games, it didn’t go well. He passed for five interceptions, three of those against the Aggies, while completing just half his pass attempts on that semifinal day. Despite these setbacks, an AFC scouting director has already labeled him as potentially the best quarterback in the upcoming draft.
As Nussmeier prepares for this season, the stakes certainly aren’t getting any lower. With both analysts and NFL scouts eyeing his potential to cut down on the turnovers while making the most of his physically-gifted frame.
A Promising Yet Challenging Season Ahead
Drew Nussmeier’s choice to remain in college through the offseason speaks volumes about his dedication towards growing. He ended last season with a very worrisome 12 interceptions. He was able to throw for 29 passing touchdowns and tacked on three rushing touchdowns onto his resume. His numbers tell a story of promise, but of risk. Although he has proven that he can get buckets, his propensity to commit turnovers has opened the floodgates of doubt.
For the quarterback, he has to understand that minimizing errors will be crucial if he’s to raise his stock on draft day. His talent, as expressed through his flexible arm and rapid-fire decision making, has caught the world’s attention. Then, he has to turn those skills into consistent on-field performances.
“Give me his fire and his instincts, plus his football knowledge, even if he’s not that big.” – AFC scouting director
Scouts are intrigued by Nussmeier’s physical capabilities. His size and strength are tremendous, but there are doubts regarding his stamina over the course of a long NFL season. This was especially worrisome last season, when he looked exhausted from the get-go in important playoff games.
“He’s massive and his strength is one of one, but is he going to make it through the year? He was gassed against Auburn and he looked awful against Michigan.” – NFL general manager
As he prepares for the new season, Nussmeier is under pressure to deliver standout performances that will solidify his reputation as a top-tier quarterback.
The Road to Redemption
Nussmeier is hellbent on doing just that to his critics this season. He’s working on earning himself a good reputation of someone who’ll find success in the NFL. With the chance to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 draft, no game can be wasted. That promise he displayed against Texas A&M should be the rule, not the exception.
Through all his peaks and valleys, there’s a contingent of scouts who are believers in what he’s capable of more than others.
“Love the tools, but I’ve rarely been blown away by what he does with them.” – NFC East area scout
Nussmeier’s continued development will greatly be determined by how he responds in high-pressure situations from here on out. He must continue to strike the right balance—aggressive but measured in his choices.
“There’s no killer instinct with him. He’ll take what the defense gives him.” – College scouting director
If Nussmeier can channel that aggressive mindset and reign in the turnovers, then greatness is within reach.
Evaluating Nussmeier’s Future
Drew Nussmeier entering crucial campaign. Analysts are going to be waiting to see him in certain matchups that will likely set the tone for his career. NFL scouts have lauded his agility and power, most especially due to efforts in big time contests against strong competition.
“I can’t wait to see him against Texas. His agility and power on tape are insane … we’ll know by about 1 p.m. if he’s a legit prospect or not.” – AFC East area scout
Though many scouts have doubts about what he did last year, there are others still who believe in his talent. The general agreement seems to be that significant improvement is necessary if he wants to be considered a legitimate, first-round draft pick.
“If he comes back and has that power again, I’ll be back in on him, but the summer grade from me was mid-rounds.” – AFC West area scout
As the 2023 season continues, everyone will be watching to see if Nussmeier can turn that potential into production.
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