Why did Garrett Nussmeier fall so far in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Why did LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier fall all the way to the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round during the 2026 NFL Draft?

Well, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer gave a succinct answer as to why the former Tigers quarterback went from being one of the more ballyhooed prospects in this class some time ago to a seventh-round pick.

"Nussmeier dealt with oblique pain last year, as a result of a nerve problem," he shared on social media. "A cyst was found in his back, and that’s at least part of this. His tape not being great last year is the other obvious factor."

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero shared more about Nussmeier's health earlier in the month.

"Nussmeier underwent tests at the NFL combine that revealed a cyst on his spine — the root cause of the persistent oblique pain that derailed his 2025 season, sources say," he reported on social media.

"The cyst was pressing on a nerve, causing discomfort in Nussmeier’s oblique. He has been asymptomatic since just prior to the Senior Bowl and all throughout the draft process; if that changes down the road, Nussmeier could undergo a minimally invasive procedure and miss just 2-3 weeks while stitches heal. Either way, doctors say, there is no short- or long-term risk for Nussmeier, who is projected a mid-round pick in this week’s NFL Draft."

Well, his draft fall was pretty shocking, but landing in Kansas City isn't a bad way for this process to end.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why did LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier fall so far in the 2026 NFL Draft?