LSU Tigers Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier Draws Attention With Surprise Appearance at New Orleans Saints Minicamp, Impresses Onlookers

There’s no offseason when it comes to football in Louisiana, and that’s especially true when LSU’s next starting quarterback drops by an NFL minicamp. Garrett Nussmeier, widely expected to lead the LSU Tigers’ offense in 2025 following Jayden Daniels’ departure for the NFL, made a notable appearance at the New Orleans Saints’ minicamp this week, and it didn’t take long for fans and insiders to start buzzing about it.

Nussmeier, wearing LSU gear and carrying himself with the quiet confidence Tiger fans have come to expect, showed up at the Saints’ facility not to work out or to steal any spotlight, but to simply observe, soak in the atmosphere, and connect with Louisiana’s only professional football franchise. His presence, however, was enough to draw cameras and chatter, especially given the quarterback transition LSU is undergoing this offseason.

As the presumed heir to Daniels—who was selected by the Washington Commanders with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—Nussmeier is preparing to shoulder significant expectations in Baton Rouge. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior has long been considered one of the more talented backup quarterbacks in the country. His poise, arm strength, and football IQ were on full display during LSU’s bowl victory over Wisconsin, where he threw for 395 yards and three touchdowns as the Tigers closed their season with a bang.

His Saints minicamp appearance isn’t about job auditions or pre-draft scouting—it’s about immersion. Being around NFL players and coaches during a live practice session, even as a guest, offers a perspective few college players experience. It also says something about Nussmeier’s approach to his development. He’s clearly treating this offseason not only as a moment to secure his place atop LSU’s depth chart but to prepare himself for what comes next.

Sources close to the program indicate that Nussmeier was invited to the Saints’ minicamp by team officials who have maintained a friendly connection with LSU’s coaching staff. Head coach Dennis Allen has previously spoken about the value of supporting in-state programs and keeping close tabs on LSU talent, and Nussmeier’s visit underscores the bond between the state’s flagship college program and its NFL franchise.

While Nussmeier didn’t throw or participate in drills, he spent time on the sidelines speaking with coaches, observing how Saints quarterbacks like Derek Carr and rookie Spencer Rattler went through reps, and absorbing the tempo and intensity of an NFL-level practice. Saints quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry was seen having a lengthy discussion with Nussmeier after the session ended, and while the contents of the conversation remain private, it’s clear there was mutual respect and plenty of football talk.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly, who is entering his third season in Baton Rouge, has consistently emphasized the importance of leadership and accountability in the quarterback room. Kelly has praised Nussmeier’s patience and growth over the past two years, particularly his ability to learn behind a Heisman-winning quarterback without letting ego interfere. That maturity was on display again at the Saints’ facility—Nussmeier didn’t come seeking headlines, but he got them nonetheless.

The implications of this visit are both symbolic and practical. Symbolically, it represents the bridge between college excellence and pro aspirations, especially in a football-mad state like Louisiana. It’s also a reminder that the NFL sees Nussmeier—whether scouts or coaches vocalize it publicly or not, his name is known in professional circles. Practically, the experience offers him a preview of what to expect when his turn to go pro arrives, and it sharpens his understanding of what elite preparation looks like.

Saints players and coaches weren’t shy about acknowledging Nussmeier’s presence. Carr reportedly spoke briefly with the LSU signal-caller after the session, offering encouragement and advice. Several LSU fans in attendance cheered when they saw Nussmeier walking the sidelines. It wasn’t quite a homecoming, but it was a reaffirmation: Louisiana’s next great quarterback is already a known commodity in NFL circles.

Nussmeier’s appearance also shines light on his offseason approach, which by all accounts has been laser-focused. Following the bowl win, he opted to stay in Baton Rouge rather than transfer—a possibility many speculated about before the season ended. The transfer portal has transformed college football’s quarterback landscape, and players with Nussmeier’s experience and upside often move to programs offering guaranteed starting roles. Instead, Nussmeier bet on himself, confident he would earn the job in 2025—and everything since then points to that being a wise decision.

This summer is critical for LSU. With a revamped offensive line, a reloaded receiver corps, and a retooled defense under new coordinator Blake Baker, the Tigers are aiming to reassert themselves in the SEC West. Nussmeier will be the focal point of that push. His command of the offense has improved, according to insiders, and his rapport with receivers like Kyren Lacy and incoming freshman phenom Dakorien Moore is building rapidly. But more importantly, teammates speak of Nussmeier as a leader. Not a “rah-rah” guy, necessarily, but someone who leads with consistency, toughness, and preparation.

That’s the kind of quarterback the Saints—and NFL teams in general—want to see. Even though he’s not eligible for the draft until 2026, Nussmeier is already making the kind of moves that suggest he’s preparing for a future in pro football. Attending a minicamp isn’t a requirement for growth, but it’s a move that sends a message: he’s thinking like a professional.

Former LSU stars like Joe Burrow and Daniels have paved the way in recent years, showing that Baton Rouge can produce not only elite college quarterbacks but polished, NFL-ready players. Nussmeier’s journey has been a little different—he’s had to wait his turn, fight for opportunities, and prove himself over time—but that may end up serving him well in the long run. Few quarterbacks enter the starting role with as much experience watching, learning, and preparing as he has.

For now, his focus remains on LSU’s 2025 season. The Tigers open with a tough matchup against USC in Las Vegas, and the schedule only gets more difficult from there. But Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock are confident that Nussmeier’s skill set fits perfectly with what they want to do offensively. His quick release, ability to read defenses, and willingness to stand in the pocket under pressure are attributes that could elevate LSU’s passing game to new heights.

And if that happens, more visits to NFL practices—and eventually draft boards—will be inevitable.

It’s not often a college quarterback grabs headlines for simply showing up, but in this case, the context matters. Garrett Nussmeier didn’t throw a pass or wear a Saints jersey, but his visit made an impression. It was a reminder of his rising profile, of the bond between LSU and New Orleans, and of what’s to come for a quarterback poised to make a major impact.

As LSU heads into fall camp, there will be no more speculation about who leads the offense. Garrett Nussmeier is the guy. His appearance at Saints minicamp was just one more sign of a quarterback ready for the spotlight—and possibly, destined for Sundays.