A hunt for the next tier of quarterbacks behind locks Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson has defined the 2026 NFL Draft cycle. While Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck entered the spring as a consensus top-five prospect, a recent shift in the draft landscape has seen ESPN analyst Jordan Reid and others pivot toward LSU Tigers signal-caller Garrett Nussmeier.
Garrett Nussmeier Rising Above Carson Beck in NFL Draft QB3 Race
Reid recently appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” to discuss the heated QB3 debate. Despite an injury-plagued 2025 season in Baton Rouge, Nussmeier’s recent surge, fueled by a stellar Senior Bowl and a clean medical check, has him leaping Beck in several high-profile rankings.
Reid said, “I would guess that the third quarterback drafted will be Carson Beck or Garrett Nussmeier… I personally am a believer in Garrett Nussmeier.”
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The case for Nussmeier over Beck boils down to two factors: ceiling and health. Nussmeier took home Senior Bowl MVP honors in early 2026, showcasing the quick-trigger release and gunslinger anticipation that saw him throw for 4,052 yards in 2024. Analysts have noted that Nussmeier’s disappointing 2025 stats (1,927 yards and 12 TDs) were largely the byproduct of a nagging abdominal injury that happened on the second day of fall camp and sapped his core strength.
At his March 23 Pro Day, however, Nussmeier appeared entirely rejuvenated. Meanwhile, Beck’s journey has been a roller coaster. He briefly resuscitated his stock by leading the Hurricanes to a Fiesta Bowl victory over the Ole Miss Rebels and an appearance in the National Championship. However, scouts remain wary of his physical limitations.
In addition, Beck’s velocity has been a talking point following his recovery from UCL surgery in December 2024, making him a pocket-oriented prospect who relies on timing. His performances against ranked opponents have also been under the microscope as scouts evaluate his processing speed for the next level.
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“My experience holds itself. I’ve played in the biggest games at two different programs. I’ve seen every defense, I’ve won at a high level, and I think that shows on the tape. The draft is about projection, but my production and my ability to manage a championship-caliber huddle is right there,” Beck said at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
As the draft approaches, the gap between the two remains narrow, with both projected as mid-round selections. However, with Nussmeier being the son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and being free of health issues, he has officially grabbed the momentum.