1) Garrett Nussmeier Shines Bright. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier made a strong impression this week. After being sidelined for over two months, he showed scouts he’s ready to play again. Each day, he grew more confident, culminating in an impressive performance on Saturday.
Nussmeier, leading the American Team, was named MVP of the game. He sparked the team by leading two touchdown drives right out of the gate, completing 5 out of 8 passes for 57 yards. He even rushed for a touchdown and threw a two-point conversion pass to Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields. However, his tight ends didn’t always help; drops by Stanford’s Sam Roush and Wyoming’s John Michael Gyllenborg marred his performance, with one drop counted as an interception.
In a conversation with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Nussmeier opened up about his recovery from an injury-riddled 2025 season. He stated, “I’m getting better every day.” His determination to bounce back is evident.
On the other side, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia took the helm for the National Team. In challenging weather, he completed 10 of 13 passes for 78 yards. He showcased his ability to evade pressure and connect with North Carolina State’s Justin Joly for an 18-yard gain during a rollout.
Despite having some strong moments in practice earlier in the week, Pavia struggled to display the same explosive playmaking style that made him a Heisman finalist. Following him were North Dakota State’s Cole Payton and Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson. Payton notched the Offensive MVP title with a notable 19-yard run and several completions, while Robertson faced difficulties, completing only 1 out of 5 passes and tossing an interception.
Illinois’ Luke Altmyer came in for Nussmeier on the American Team but faced heavy pressure and struggled to find a rhythm. Arkansas’ Taylen Green, the last QB to take the field, had some impressive plays but also missed some opportunities. He gained eight yards on a designed run but threw a few shaky passes during the week.
Recent trends show a growing interest in college quarterbacks, especially those with strong performances in high-pressure situations, as NFL scouts look for the next standout. A survey by Sports Business Journal reported that 70% of teams prioritize game performance over practice results when drafting quarterbacks. This shift highlights the importance of real-game situations in evaluating talent.
As the NFL draft approaches, the spotlight will only intensify. Fans and teams alike are eager to see which rising stars will make their mark in the league.
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