Garrett Nussmeier, a former quarterback for Louisiana State University (LSU), was initially viewed as a first-round pick for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, his prospects have dimmed due to health concerns stemming from a cyst on his spine. This cyst has been identified as the cause of ongoing oblique pain that hindered his performance during the 2025 college football season. NFL analyst Tom Pelissero reported that tests at the NFL combine confirmed the cyst, which was pressing on a nerve. Fortunately, Nussmeier has been asymptomatic since just before the Senior Bowl, and doctors have indicated that there is no short- or long-term risk associated with his condition. If symptoms were to return, he could undergo a minimally invasive procedure that would require a recovery period of just 2-3 weeks. As a result of these health issues, Nussmeier is now projected to be drafted in the mid-rounds, though he remains a promising prospect for teams looking for a quarterback.