The 2025 NFL Draft just took place. But there are already 2026 mock drafts coming out. PFF recently put together a “way-too-early” mock draft. They have the Indianapolis Colts taking Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt eighth overall:
“8. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: QB SAM LEAVITT, ARIZONA STATE
Leavitt had a brilliant first season as Arizona State’s starter and is poised to become the engine of the Sun Devils’ offense after Cam Skattebo‘s departure to the NFL. Leavitt’s 88.9 PFF overall grade ranked ninth among qualified quarterbacks last season, while his 1.1% turnover-worthy play rate tied for third. If he further develops his chemistry with top receiver Jordyn Tyson, he could have a massive season.”
The 2026 NFL Draft is a long way away. With that said, who knows if the Colts will be in a position to draft a top-10 quarterback at that point?
2026 Mock Draft Has the Indianapolis Colts Taking Quarterback Sam Leavitt
His Career Thus Far
Leavitt starred at West Linn High School in West Linn, Oregon. During his senior year, he completed 70 percent of his passes for 3,065 yards and 36 touchdowns. He also led West Linn to a 12-1 record and the Oregon 6A state title.
Leavitt then committed to Michigan State University. In 2023, he played four games with the Spartans, passing for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
After only one season at Michigan State, Leavitt entered the transfer portal and transferred to Arizona State. He was named the starting quarterback in his first year with the Sun Devils. Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024. He also ran for 443 yards and five touchdowns. As a result, he was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.
In addition, Leavitt helped Arizona State have its best season since reaching the 1996 Rose Bowl. They matched a school record with 11 victories and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time.
The Colts Current Quarterback Room
Right now, the Colts have four quarterbacks: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, and Jason Bean. The team drafted Richardson fourth overall in 2023. Unfortunately, he hasn’t turned out to be Indy’s 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, recently drafted in the sixth round, will battle Bean for the No. 3 spot.
Should the Colts Draft Leavitt?
Should the Colts draft Leavitt or another first-round quarterback next year? Well, that all depends on how Richardson plays in 2025. If he vastly improves, drafting a quarterback would be unnecessary. The Colts hope the competition with Jones will cause Richardson to elevate his game and become the star he’s supposed to be. Then again, Jones might beat Richardson for the starting job and wind up having a great season.
Anything can happen. Paul White of Athlon Sports wrote about the possibility of both Richardson and Jones having bad seasons:
“The worst case scenario for Indianapolis is having subpar play from both quarterbacks this season. That means that the starter either got injured or had to be benched, and the man stepping in for relief isn’t having success either. If this hypothetical becomes reality, then the Colts will likely be bad next year and vying for the No. 1 pick in the draft.”
Again, anything can happen. We’ll see how it all plays out.
Main Photo: [Michael Chow/The Republic] – USA Today Sports