The Opening Drive 8/31: LSU's Garrett Nussmeier Jumps Out Early
It wasn't the strongest start for the 2026 quarterback class but Nussmeier flashed.
Apologies for the lack of an Opening Drive yesterday as our household was woke up by a delightful power outage in our neighborhood at 5:50AM. So, for seven hours, on a perfect weather day, we were without power. It also meant no cell phone efficiency with everyone in the area down wi-fi and crashing the same cell tower. That meant no avenue to writing the early morning content I love to provide. Let me tell you: first-world problems, folks.
It was a fun slate of football to consume once the power cooperated around me. Ohio State and Texas threw punches at each other all day with underwhelming offenses but with defenses that will cause trouble everywhere they go this year. Alabama is officially on “irrational decision alert” as the arrogance of Nick Saban’s glory days feel further in the rearview mirror than ever. Florida State walked them up and down the field and just looked like a more complete roster — which is wild to say after what they put on the field last year.
LSU traveled to Clemson, we will discuss some of that here below, and reminded us Clemson goes as Cade Klubnik carries them and he did not meet the standard. Dabo Sweeney’s ability to win regardless of surroundings has come to an end. Just great football to consume all over the place. I enjoyed it, and hope you did as well. Still two more games to kick back and enjoy today with the blockbuster being Notre Dame traveling down to Miami.
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As you all know, I am going to be dialed into the 2026 quarterback class like never before. The Browns told us they will be serious about selecting one and that means we need to be on top of things as a website covering who is most deserving. Well, Garrett Nussmeier made his case last night.
The stats were not overwhelming as he ended up going 28-38 for 230 yards and a touchdown, but the NFL traits showed up well in a hostile environment. This bucket throw up the right sideline in the second half was his best of the day.
Another view to show you how tight that coverage was and how well he placed it for his man only.
Another ball that stood out during the first half was watching him work frontside through multiple progressions to finding his backside dig. In the Browns offense, these are non-negotiable actions but some cannot get there. This was clean work.
While not the most athletic, Nussmeier can still get out of the pocket and create with his legs when needed. He put that on display a few select times as well.
Overall, some up and down performances in the debut from the 2026 class but it’s a long season and many more opportunities to show who is the best of the group. In the early test, Nussmeier stood out.
Arch Manning at Ohio State — really rough performance in Columbus that saw his mechanics looks sloppy, his accuracy all over the place, and just plain look overwhelmed. This was his first true start and first road game of meaning so you can’t write someone off, but not an ideal way to launch into his collegiate career. He had a few great throws late in the game but he just didn’t do enough to capitalize earlier. This was his best ball on the final drive up the left sideline in the “honey hole”.
Drew Allar vs Nevada — Not a wow performance but a clean 22-26 for 217 yards and a touchdown. He executed the simple concepts the offense rolled out today. This throw before halftime where he works off the solo side right to left and gets the hips turned for the deep sideline throw stood out.
Cade Klubnik vs LSU — It was a rough performance for Klubnik and not the way he needed to kick off the season he hopes to have. The panic under pressure trait flashed way too often in this one, and despite not loving the scheme Clemson trots out there, he still didn’t operate things well. The athleticism showed up a few times but he put the ball in harm’s way too often and didn’t convert the easy. This late 4th quarter slot fade was his best throw of the day. Placed right where it needed to be, but was dropped.
Fernando Mendoza vs Old Dominion — Strange day overall for the Hoosiers but they got out with a win. Mendoza went 18-31 for 193 yards and a rushing touchdown but it could have been far more. He worked frontside to the backside skinny post here and dropped it perfectly where it needed to be. However, you can’t catch the ones you throw as well. I really look forward to watching more of him this year.
Check out LaNorris Sellers and South Carolina take on Virginia Tech in Atlanta at 3:30 today.
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