Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has faced challenges during his initial two NFL seasons, failing to meet expectations as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. With the 2026 quarterback class regarded as promising, recent projections suggest the Colts may select a new signal-caller in that year’s draft as a potential replacement for Richardson.
Mock Draft Predicts Colts Selecting LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier at No. 7 Overall
As the 2026 draft season gains momentum, analyst Jacob Infante produced a seven-round mock draft that includes four quarterbacks taken within the top ten picks. Among those, the Indianapolis Colts are forecasted to pick Garrett Nussmeier, the LSU quarterback, at seventh overall. This prediction indicates that if Richardson’s performance does not improve during the 2025 season, the Colts might look to draft Nussmeier as a clearer alternative.
Nussmeier had a breakout 2024 season, compiling 4,052 passing yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Initially a four-star recruit, he has been a part of LSU’s program since 2021 and showed steady development throughout his college career.
Garrett Nussmeier’s Resume Highlights Strong Potential for NFL Readiness
Over his time at LSU, Nussmeier has amassed 5,772 passing yards along with 44 total touchdowns. He is widely viewed as a prospective first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Should the Colts choose Nussmeier, it would represent a distinct departure from their current quarterback’s profile and playing style.
“The play that sold me on Garrett Nussmeier. Down 23-16 4th & 5 :32 seconds left Touchdown LSU vs. Ole Miss (2024)” —FIRST ROUND MOCK
Contrasting Player Profiles: Richardson vs. Nussmeier
Anthony Richardson, drafted from Florida, was praised for his natural athleticism and strong arm but has struggled with footwork, reading defenses, and consistency in accuracy. His college career included 24 games played with only 13 starts. In comparison, Nussmeier offers more refined footwork, dependable accuracy, and better defensive awareness, although his arm strength and athletic ability are average. He appeared in 31 college games, making 14 starts over four seasons.
The Colts invested in Richardson fully aware that he was a developmental project, but so far, their efforts to polish his skills have been met with limited success. If Richardson’s difficulties continue throughout 2025, the organization may favor a more polished, NFL-ready quarterback like Nussmeier to protect the team from prolonged uncertainty at the position.
Outlook for the Colts and Impact of the 2026 Draft
While the 2026 NFL Draft remains a few seasons away and circumstances can shift significantly during the intervening time, the suggestion that the Colts may select Nussmeier provides a compelling narrative for the franchise’s future plans at quarterback. This move could mark a strategic shift aimed at stabilizing the pivotal position after mixed early career results from Anthony Richardson.