Garrett Nussmeier describes ‘unbelievable feeling’ being on cover of EA Sports College Football 26
In a moment that will go down in LSU lore and college football history, Garrett Nussmeier, the poised and powerful quarterback of the LSU Tigers, was unveiled as one of the cover athletes for the highly anticipated EA Sports College Football 26 video game. For Nussmeier, who has waited patiently behind NFL-bound quarterbacks and finally emerged as the face of the program, the honor is more than symbolic—it’s surreal.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Nussmeier told reporters at a packed press conference at Tiger Stadium. “You grow up dreaming of moments like this. Playing the game as a kid, imagining yourself in it… and now I’m on the cover. It’s humbling and it’s just really, really special.”
The 21-year-old signal-caller is the first LSU player to grace the cover of EA Sports’ iconic college football franchise since its return from an 11-year hiatus. And while the moment is deeply personal for Nussmeier, it also cements his status as one of the most recognizable stars in college football.
For much of his LSU career, Nussmeier operated in the shadows—first behind Max Johnson, then behind Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. But throughout it all, he stayed the course, continued to develop under quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan, and earned the trust of head coach Brian Kelly.
When Daniels declared for the NFL Draft following the 2024 season, Nussmeier stepped into the spotlight—and immediately delivered. His performances in spring camp and media appearances showcased not just a talented quarterback, but a mature, media-savvy leader ready to carry the torch.
EA Sports reportedly selected Nussmeier for the cover not just because of his on-field production, but due to his leadership, charisma, and popularity with fans—especially in Baton Rouge.
“He’s the guy everyone looks up to,” said EA’s lead brand manager Travis Williams. “He’s a competitor, a student of the game, and embodies what this generation of college football is all about.”
For LSU fans, Nussmeier’s appearance on the cover is a point of immense pride. With purple and gold featured prominently in the promotional materials, Tiger faithful across the country are already declaring the return of the video game franchise a win for Baton Rouge.
“It’s not just me—it’s LSU,” Nussmeier emphasized. “It’s our team, our coaching staff, and everything we’ve built here. I’m proud to represent the program. This cover’s for all of us.”
He went on to thank his offensive line, his receivers, and Coach Kelly during the event, saying, “Without them, I’m not standing here right now. This is a team game, always has been.”
The LSU media department celebrated the announcement with a custom video montage that showed Nussmeier’s journey—from high school recruiting days to spring game dominance to EA cover athlete. The moment went viral within minutes of being posted.
Sources close to EA Sports say the decision to include Nussmeier was made several months ago, following closed-door meetings between the game’s producers and NCAA officials. LSU’s cooperation with NIL protocols and their media availability made the process smooth.
In the lead-up to the announcement, Nussmeier participated in several secret promotional shoots in Los Angeles and New York. He was reportedly shown early builds of the game, provided voice recordings for in-game cutscenes, and even tested out his own player rating.
“I saw the graphics, the animations—it’s insane,” Nussmeier laughed. “Let’s just say I told them I better have a 99 arm strength.”
The quarterback revealed he and his teammates have already preordered the deluxe edition of the game and plan to host a release-day tournament inside LSU’s football facility.
While the video game cover is a massive honor, Nussmeier knows the real pressure lies ahead—leading LSU back to the College Football Playoff.
With the Tigers returning a loaded roster on both sides of the ball, including elite pass-catchers like Kylan Jackson and AJ Knox, expectations are sky-high. Offensive coordinator Joe Sloan’s return solidifies the scheme, and Nussmeier is viewed as a top-tier Heisman candidate entering the season.
“This is the biggest year of my life,” he said. “I’m grateful for the cover, but my focus is 100 percent on bringing a championship back to Baton Rouge.”
Analysts agree that Nussmeier is among the most NFL-ready quarterbacks in college football, thanks to his quick release, excellent footwork, and underrated mobility. If he delivers on the field the way many expect, this cover may be the first of many spotlights to come.
News of Nussmeier’s selection spread rapidly through social media and was met with near-universal support.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly shared a congratulatory message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Proud of Garrett and all he’s accomplished. He’s earned every bit of this moment. The future is bright—and the best is yet to come. #GeauxTigers”
Wide receiver Kylan Jackson posted a screenshot of the cover and wrote:
“Our QB1 on the cover. Stop playing with us. We coming.”
Even former LSU greats chimed in. Joe Burrow, who famously led LSU to a national title and is now a star with the Cincinnati Bengals, tweeted:
“Big-time. Congrats @GarrettNuss13 — lead ‘em.”
The game itself is one of the most hyped releases in sports video game history. After a decade-long absence due to legal battles over player likeness rights, EA Sports has returned with a new NIL-based licensing model that compensates student-athletes directly.
EA College Football 26 features full roster integration, dynamic recruiting, the return of Dynasty and Road to Glory modes, and real-time stadium atmospheres. LSU’s Tiger Stadium—aka Death Valley—is one of the most detailed venues in the game, featuring authentic crowd chants, pregame traditions, and nighttime lighting.
Garrett Nussmeier will not only be the face of the game’s box art, but also featured prominently in the game’s opening cinematic and storyline-driven “Heisman Path” campaign.
With the video game cover now public and the season fast approaching, all eyes are on what Garrett Nussmeier will do between the lines.
He’s expected to be on several Heisman watchlists, named to preseason All-SEC teams, and be among the top quarterbacks in early 2026 NFL Draft projections.
But true to his nature, Nussmeier says he’s staying focused on the moment.
“The cover is amazing. But I want to win games, win the SEC, and bring a national title back to LSU. That’s my mission.”
He paused, then grinned:
“And yeah… I’m still not over that 88 speed rating they gave me. I’ll prove ‘em wrong.”
Garrett Nussmeier’s rise from backup to superstar is complete—crowned by his appearance on the cover of EA Sports College Football 26. It’s a historic moment for LSU, a personal milestone for the junior quarterback, and a signal that the Tigers have their next great leader under center.
Now, it’s time to make that virtual spotlight a reality—on the field, in the SEC, and in the hunt for a national championship.
