Both LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik figure to be heavy players in the 2026 NFL Draft conversation for months to come — Nussmeier ranked as the No. 10 prospect and Klubnik No. 30 on Dane Brugler’s preseason draft board.
Saturday night belonged, though, to Nussmeier, whose ninth-ranked team secured a huge early-season win over Klubnik and Clemson, 17-10. Nussmeier finished 28-of-38 passing for 230 yards and a TD, while playing in one of college football’s most hostile environments. Klubnik matched Nussmeier’s passing total but completed just 19 of his 38 attempts and tossed an interception.
What’d we learn about each NFL draft hopeful in the process? Our experts, Dane Brugler and Nick Baumgardner, provide their thoughts.
Instant reactions to Nussmeier’s performance
Coming into the 2025 season, the one-line scouting report on Nussmeier was: “Terrific arm, although he will throw you in or out of games.”
Though evaluators have a healthy respect for his competitive play personality, that sometimes means he’ll push his chips into the middle too many times throughout a game. Against Clemson, however, his decision-making was more confident than reckless, even when testing small windows in crowded coverage. With a rebuilt offensive line and an unproven group of pass catchers, the LSU offense used the first half to find its footing, and Nussmeier was able to settle in after halftime.
Along with his arm and understanding of where to go with the ball, his toughness and ability to negotiate muddy pockets were both on display against a talented Clemson defense — and those traits will translate well to the next level. Nussmeier shouldn’t be billed as a franchise-saving quarterback prospect, but he has the talent to start in the league and win games. He entered the season as my highest-ranked senior prospect, and nothing happened in Week 1 to change that. — Dane Brugler
Jump Ball. It’s not even fair. @TreyDez_Green 📺 | ABC pic.twitter.com/c2gLCKEIqh
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) August 31, 2025
Both quarterbacks faced tall tasks against big-time defenses Saturday night. All things considered, though, I thought Nussmeier was really good.
He had some outstanding flashes in the second half, including a perfect ball on what should have been a touchdown to Barion Brown. More importantly, Nussmeier’s patience level was about as good as we’ve seen from him in a big game. There weren’t really any YOLO throws. He stayed in the pocket more and, when he was on the move, his decision-making was sound and relatively low-risk.
In short, he battled for a half and started to find a groove in the third quarter. I thought he was ahead of Klubnik entering the season but, like everyone, wanted to see if he could avoid nightmare plays in a hostile environment against a terrific defense. It was a strong start to the year. — Nick Baumgardner
Instant reactions to Klubnik’s performance
Based on last year’s tape, the key area Klubnik needed to improve upon as a senior was to eliminate his panic moments that led to uncomfortable decision-making. The main takeaway from his 2025 opener? That remains an issue for him.
Though his athleticism and mobility are strengths, Klubnik relies too much on his legs, which leads to him drifting or escaping clean pockets and forcing himself into tougher throws.
Klubnik made some gutsy throws against LSU, and I expect him to get back on track quickly next game (Sept. 6 vs. Troy). However, this tape will be mandatory watching for any team that considers drafting him in April — and he didn’t put a first-round performance on film. — Brugler
Big Time INT for the Tigers
📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/qtAKA8faL4
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) August 31, 2025
It was more of a struggle for Klubnik, for a few reasons — biggest of all being that LSU’s defense completely took away Clemson’s run game, which pushed many of Klubnik’s early throwing opportunities into low-percentage situations. The one major mistake he made came against pressure, when he didn’t fully stride into his throw and airmailed it. He also had more than a few catchable 50-50 balls on which LSU’s defensive backs outworked Clemson’s receivers. (He lost receiver Antonio Williams to an injury during the game, too.)
Like Nussmeier, though, Klubnik battled. He was better in the fourth quarter, once Clemson started to play with tempo. The incompletion he threw on fourth-and-5, down seven with nine minutes left, was a catchable ball.
Klubnik has more to prove this season than Nussmeier, in terms of being a consistent processor and performer under pressure. He didn’t make many mistakes last year, but he’s shown inconsistent footwork in those clutch situations before. That’s something that has to start fading away from his game. — Baumgardner
Which QB is the more interesting draft prospect?
They are each intriguing in their own way. Nussmeier has the higher NFL grades and is a legitimate first-round option; Klubnik might be the more “intriguing” prospect because of how split NFL scouts are on his projection — some believe he will get into the first round, while other scouts see a Day 3 draft pick. — Brugler
I still like Nussmeier. He’s better on the move, better against pressure and better with his feet. Klubnik will have more impressive performances than this — he’s a legit talent. But I think Nussmeier could be outstanding this season. — Baumgardner
(Photos: Ken Ruinard / USA Today via Imagn Images)