2026 NFL Draft: Colts’ QB Outlook Shifts Amidst Current roster Dynamics
Table of Contents
Indianapolis, IN – A pivotal decision regarding the starting quarterback position for the 2025 season has thrown the Indianapolis Colts’ long-term plans into sharper focus, potentially influencing their approach to the 2026 NFL Draft.The Colts announced Daniel Jones will start at quarterback in Week 1, a move that places incumbent Anthony Richardson on the sidelines and raises questions about the team’s future at the position.
Colts’ Quarterback Landscape in 2025
The unexpected decision to start Jones over Richardson signals a need for stability at quarterback while Richardson continues to develop. This advancement coincides with the emergence of several highly-touted quarterback prospects expected to be eligible for the 2026 draft, creating a strategic inflection point for the Colts’ front office. Among the most discussed prospects is Arch Manning, the nephew of colts legend Peyton Manning.
While Archie Manning has indicated his grandson is unlikely to declare for the draft after his 2025 season, the Colts will undoubtedly monitor the progress of other rising stars. The quarterback position is paramount in today’s NFL, and teams must continually evaluate their options to remain competitive,
notes NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN, 2024).
Top quarterback Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft
Several quarterbacks are poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 college football season, potentially elevating their draft stock. Here’s a look at some of the top contenders:
Drew Allar, Penn State
allar has appeared in 39 games, completing 62.9 percent of his passes for 6,302 yards, 53 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. In 2024, he led the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals, finishing with a 66.5 percent completion rate, 3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Carson Beck, Georgia
Beck has played in 39 games, achieving a 68.0 percent completion rate with 7,912 passing yards,58 touchdowns,and 20 interceptions over five seasons with the Bulldogs. He served as the starter for the 2023 and 2024 seasons before sustaining an elbow injury during the 2024 SEC Championship game.
Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee
Iamaleava has participated in 18 games, accumulating 2,930 passing yards, a 63.6 percent completion rate, 21 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He played a key role in the Volunteers’ 2024 College Football Playoff run, appearing in 13 games.
Tyler Klubnik, Clemson
Klubnik is entering his third season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback. In 37 games, he has thrown for 7,180 yards, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 57 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.He delivered a standout performance against Texas in the College Football Playoff, passing for 336 yards and three touchdowns.
Blake Leavitt, Arizona State
Leavitt has 17 games under his belt, with 3,024 passing yards, a 61.9 percent completion rate, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He led the Sun Devils to a College Football Playoff appearance.
Arch Manning, Texas
In his first season as a full-time starter, Manning has appeared in 12 games, throwing for 969 yards and nine touchdowns with two interceptions. He passed for 325 yards and two touchdowns in a win against mississippi State in 2024 and is currently expected to return to Texas for another season.
Michael Pratt, Tulane
Pratt has played in 24 games, amassing 3,406 passing yards, a 65.3 percent completion rate, 32 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He spent three seasons at Washington State, throwing for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 2024.
Brady Cook, Missouri
Cook has 20 games of experience, totaling 4,712 passing yards, a 66.5 percent completion rate, 30 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He played two years at California, passing for 3,004 yards in 2024 and consistently exceeding 225 passing yards in all his ACC appearances.
LSU’s Jayden Nussmeier
Nussmeier has 31 games under his belt, with 5,772 passing yards, a 62.6 percent completion rate, 40 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. He became LSU’s starter in 2024,passing for 4,052 yards with a 64.2 percent completion rate, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Dequan Watts Jr., USC
Watts Jr. has 15 games of experience, with 2,620 passing yards, a 66.0 percent completion rate, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, along with 725 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He threw for 353 yards and five touchdowns in a win over Missouri in 2024 and rushed for at least 10 times in every appearance except one.
Did You Know? The Indianapolis Colts have a history of strategically drafting quarterbacks,most notably Peyton Manning in 1998,who led the franchise to Super Bowl XLI victory.
The Colts’ decision-making process will be heavily influenced by Richardson’s development and performance, as well as the performance of Jones in the 2025 season. The team will also closely evaluate the available quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft class.
Pro Tip: Keep a close watch on Arch Manning’s progress at Texas. His lineage and potential could make him a highly sought-after prospect.
What impact will Daniel Jones’ performance have on the Colts’ long-term quarterback plans? And how will the development of Anthony richardson influence their draft strategy?
| Player | School | Passing Yards (Career) | Touchdowns (Career) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Allar | Penn State | 6,302 | 53 |
| Carson Beck | Georgia | 7,912 | 58 |
| Arch Manning | Texas | 969 | 9 |
The NFL quarterback market is constantly evolving, driven by factors such as rule changes, offensive schemes, and the emergence of new talent. Teams are increasingly prioritizing quarterbacks with both arm talent and mobility, as well as the ability to make fast decisions under pressure. The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to be particularly strong at the quarterback position, with several highly-rated prospects vying for the top spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Indianapolis Colts’ current quarterback situation? The Colts have named Daniel Jones as their Week 1 starter, with Anthony Richardson as the backup.
- Who are the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft? Some of the leading prospects include Arch Manning, Drew allar, and Carson Beck.
- How will the Colts’ 2025 season impact their draft strategy? The performance of Daniel jones and Anthony richardson will heavily influence their decision-making process.
- Is Arch Manning likely to declare for the draft after the 2025 season? According to his grandfather, Archie Manning, it is indeed unlikely.
- What qualities are NFL teams looking for in a quarterback today? Teams prioritize arm talent, mobility, decision-making skills, and the ability to perform under pressure.