Georgia Eyeing Elite 2027 QB Colton Nussmeier, Brother of LSU’s Starter, in Major Recruiting Battle
There’s a new name rising fast in college football recruiting circles, and if the last name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Colton Nussmeier, a four-star quarterback in the class of 2027, is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about prospects in the country. He’s the younger brother of LSU’s starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, but Colton is carving out his own path—and the Georgia Bulldogs are right in the thick of his recruitment.
At just 16 years old, Colton is already a highly ranked national recruit, and he’s only gaining more attention with each passing week. A southpaw with an advanced feel for the game, Colton brings poise, touch, and surprising maturity to the field. He plays with the kind of confidence you rarely see in players his age, and that confidence is backed up by production. As a sophomore at Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, he threw for over 1,900 yards and 16 touchdowns in just 10 games, with only three interceptions. His completion percentage hovered around 60%, and his pocket presence was well beyond his years.
Naturally, that kind of performance has drawn attention from powerhouse programs around the country. Colton currently holds over 20 Division I scholarship offers, with blue-blood programs like Alabama, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and Georgia all aggressively pursuing him. While LSU is the sentimental favorite given his family ties, Georgia has made a strong impression early in the race—and Colton has not been shy about saying how much he likes what he’s seen from the Bulldogs.
His visit to Athens earlier this year made an impact. He toured the facilities, sat down with head coach Kirby Smart, and met with offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. He also connected with quarterbacks coach Bryan McClendon and got a strong sense of the culture Georgia is trying to maintain. From development to scheme fit to personality, Georgia left a lasting mark. According to those around the situation, Colton liked the family atmosphere in Athens and appreciated how seriously the program takes the quarterback position. While he’s not in a rush to make a decision, the Bulldogs have positioned themselves as a top contender.
That being said, LSU will be hard to beat. The emotional connection to the Tigers runs deep. Colton has spent plenty of time in Baton Rouge, not just watching his older brother Garrett shine in Tiger Stadium, but bonding with the coaching staff and getting familiar with the campus. His comfort level with LSU is undeniable. He’s been on the sideline, in the locker room, and part of family huddles during big SEC matchups. It’s hard to replicate that sense of belonging, and it’s why many view LSU as the front-runner.
However, this recruitment isn’t going to be won on emotions alone. Colton is very much focused on finding the right program to help him develop, compete early, and prepare for the NFL. He wants to step into a place where he’s valued for who he is, not just his last name. That opens the door for a school like Georgia, where the quarterback room has consistently produced stars and the competition is fierce. Kirby Smart and his staff have built a program where nothing is handed out, and Colton respects that grind. He’s not looking for easy—he’s looking for excellence.
The Nussmeier family is no stranger to high-level football. Colton’s father, Doug Nussmeier, is a former NFL quarterback and one of the most respected offensive minds in the sport. He’s coached quarterbacks in both college and the pros, including stops at Alabama, Florida, Michigan, and with the Dallas Cowboys. Currently, he’s the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. With that kind of football IQ in the household, it’s no surprise that Colton has picked up on the details of the game so early. Whether it’s reading coverages, adjusting protections, or leading a two-minute drill, he has a coach’s brain in a player’s body.
But football isn’t the only thing Colton brings to the table. He’s also a standout multi-sport athlete. When he’s not throwing touchdowns in the fall, he’s playing varsity basketball in the winter. As a 6-foot-4 guard, he’s agile, competitive, and tough—traits that translate perfectly to the football field. Coaches love his dual-sport background because it speaks to his work ethic and competitiveness. He doesn’t just want to be good—he wants to be great, and he’s willing to put in the work across seasons to make that happen.
What makes Colton such an intriguing prospect is that he combines natural athletic ability with advanced decision-making and an infectious leadership style. His teammates gravitate toward him. He’s calm in chaos, and when the game is on the line, he wants the ball. Even as a sophomore, he was already the heartbeat of his high school team, calling audibles, motivating his teammates, and taking ownership of the offense. He doesn’t have the brash swagger some top quarterbacks are known for—but he has a quiet fire that burns bright when it matters most.
As for the recruiting timeline, Colton is playing things close to the vest. He’s not rushing to commit, and he’s made it clear that he wants to go through the process slowly, making visits, watching games in person, and building relationships with coaches. That works in Georgia’s favor. The longer things go, the more chances the Bulldogs have to build trust and familiarity. Georgia’s track record of developing quarterbacks, from Jake Fromm to Stetson Bennett to Carson Beck, speaks for itself. If Colton sees a clear path to development and early opportunity in Athens, it could tip the scales.
Georgia fans should also be excited by how much the coaching staff is investing in this recruitment. They aren’t treating Colton like just another quarterback offer. They’re all-in. They’ve made multiple visits to see him throw, invited him to key recruiting weekends, and have maintained constant communication with the family. That level of effort doesn’t go unnoticed, especially in a recruitment where relationships are going to make or break the decision.
Of course, there’s still a long way to go. The class of 2027 is just beginning to take shape, and anything can happen between now and signing day. Other schools are going to stay in the mix. Alabama won’t go away quietly. Florida is pushing hard. Even some out-of-region programs like USC and Oregon are showing interest. But Georgia has done everything right so far. They’ve identified Colton early, prioritized him, and treated him like a future star.
It’s also worth noting that the Nussmeier family will approach this process with a level of perspective that many others don’t have. They know what it’s like to play SEC football. They understand the demands, the spotlight, and the pressure. Colton is being coached at home, not just on how to throw a better deep ball, but on how to carry himself, how to lead, and how to handle adversity. That foundation makes him uniquely prepared for whatever comes next.
So while the headlines might focus on the family connection to LSU, don’t sleep on Georgia. This isn’t a case of a younger brother following in his sibling’s footsteps without question. Colton is his own player, with his own goals, and he’s exploring every option with open eyes. The Bulldogs are very much in this race, and if they keep building the relationship, showing the vision, and presenting a clear path to success, they might just pull off one of the biggest recruiting wins of the 2027 cycle.
It’s early, but the battle lines are being drawn. LSU may have the edge in comfort and history, but Georgia has the momentum, the development track record, and a coaching staff that knows exactly how to close. This recruitment is far from over, and with a talent like Colton Nussmeier on the line, every move matters.
One thing is clear: wherever Colton ends up, he’s going to make waves. He’s not just Garrett’s little brother. He’s a future star in his own right—and the college football world is taking notice.
