Of the 11 former LSU Tigers that participated at the 2026 NFL Combine, four big names stood out, and each for different reasons.
Two-year starting Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier made waves starting in his availability to the media when he revealed long awaited information regarding his torso injury that headlined LSU’s stagnant, 97th ranked offense that couldn’t score more than 25 points a game.
But, the news surrounding Nussmeier turned positive for just the second time in more than half a year when his Combine workout went very well, the first being after his winning of the MVP at the Senior Bowl. The Nuss-Bus showed out in Indy, standing out as a top-tier QB performance. In a group that featured multiple miscues and dropped balls, Nussmeir was often hitting his man perfectly in stride, showing off why he was heralded as one of the top passers headed into this season.
Garrett’s work at the Combine yesterday would earn him a 6.00 grade and some online recognition from ESPN Analyst Louis Riddick, who had this to say of the Tigers former signal caller:
While his Draft rating isn’t stellar and his injury is something that will bring to light the issue of his ‘durability,’ Nussmeier made great inroads with his performance at the Combine and is projected to be as high as a second round pick going 44th overall to the Jets with speculation that he may fall as No. 85 overall going in the third round to the Steelers.
Zavion Thomas turned heads off the get go after throwing down a 4.28 40-yard-dash, .07 seconds from breaking the NFL Combine record, previously set by Xavier Worthy in 2024, at 4.21 seconds.
Thomas was praised for his ability to build his speed during a vertical push, his vision and subsequent ability to create wiggle room utilizing his eyes and his skills as a kick returner via his speed and agility, having scored three times in his college career returning kicks. Zavion would stand out in positional drills during the second grouping of WR’s, performing as a reliable target that every passer appreciated.
Barion Brown, another Bayou speedster, ran a slightly slower 40, clocking a 4.4. He did not participate in any other explosive testing yesterday, and was harshly criticized on his ability to run routes, catch balls at all three levels of the field and his consistency tracking deep balls. However, Brown was praised as sprinter with the ability to get down hill and return kicks (he returned six over his career), his effort on a 50/50 ball and his ability to force safeties into deep holes off the snap.
Aaron Anderson was most scout’s biggest winner of the day. While he may not have ran a 40, Anderson showcased the explosiveness with a 30″ vertical and 9foot 5inch broad jump. He had a strong performance at the Combine earning him a grade of a 5.99 and some buzz on social media as well, both for his performance and his closing theatrics for the WR group. His praise was high though as well, noting his ability to execute the timing of his routes consistently, hide his anticipatory movements/breaks and his ability to gain yards after contact.
Anderson is predicted to go as early as the third round to the Colts, and as late as the 5th round to the Bengals, where he would meet up with several former Tigers including two 2019 National Championship winners in Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
With all things considered, these four former Tigers put on a good performance with more to be expected at the LSU Pro day on March 26th. The NFL Draft begins on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh.
Cover Photo Credits: Getty Images
