NFL News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Power Rankings

Main Image: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

2026 Mock Draft Has the Colts Landing a Quarterback

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 4:46 PM ET

Will Garrett Nussmeier land with the Indianapolis Colts? PFSN put together a way-too-early 2026 NFL Mock Draft. They have the Colts taking the LSU quarterback seventh overall:

“If the Indianapolis Colts are picking in the top 10, it’s time to reset at quarterback. Anthony Richardson was very inexperienced coming out of Florida with immense potential. They can right the ship by drafting Garrett Nussmeier, who is the same age as Richardson. Nussmeier presents a quick trigger arm and impressive touch as a passer.”

The 2026 draft is a long way away. Therefore, it’s a little silly to predict something that will happen next year. However, mock drafts are always fun, no matter what time of the year it is. Plus, you never know, Nussmeier just might end up in Indy.

2026 NFL Mock Draft Has the Colts Taking LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier

His Career Thus Far

Garrett Nussmeier attended Edward S. Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas. He passed for 3,788 yards and 38 touchdowns during his junior season. In his senior year, he threw for 2,815 yards and 33 touchdowns. Nussmeier received college offers from schools such as Texas, Georgia, Miami (FL), and North Carolina, but he ultimately chose LSU.

In 2022 and 2023, Nussmeier served as the current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels’ backup. Nussmeier took over the starting role in 2024. He led LSU to victories over Ole Miss and South Carolina, which were both top-15 ranked teams. He finished the season with 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns.

Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier 13 scores a touchdown as the LSU Tigers take on the South Alabama Jaguars at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

The Colts’ Current Quarterback Room

Indy currently has four quarterbacks: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, and Jason Bean. The team drafted Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 draft. Unfortunately, he hasn’t turned out to be the franchise QB yet. Richardson’s career thus far has been derailed by injuries and accuracy issues. Jones was signed this offseason to compete with Richardson. It’ll be interesting to see which player wins the starting quarterback job. Meanwhile, Leonard, who was drafted in the sixth round this year, will battle Bean for the No. 3 spot.

Should the Colts Draft Nussmeier?

Should the Colts draft Garrett Nussmeier or another first-round quarterback next year? Well, that all depends on how Richardson plays in 2025. If he vastly improves, drafting a quarterback wouldn’t make any sense. The Colts hope the competition with Jones will cause Richardson to elevate his game and become the star he’s supposed to be.

But then again, Jones might beat out Richardson for the starting job and wind up having a great season. Jones has spent time with the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings. 2022 was the best season of his career. That year, he threw for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns. In addition, he helped the Giants get a postseason victory.

If Jones lands the starting job and plays like he did in 2022, we likely won’t see Nussmeier in Indianapolis. But if Jones and Richardson both have awful 2025 seasons, the Colts will certainly draft Mussmeier or another quarterback in the first round of the 2026 draft. We’ll see what happens.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: