There are plenty of heralded quarterbacks potentially eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. Will the Indianapolis Colts be in the market for one of them? Many believe so.
The Colts are entering a seventh straight season of quarterback uncertainty after naming newcomer Daniel Jones the starter over incumbent Anthony Richardson. If this season doesn’t go well, the Colts may look at a QB in 2026.
Who will the Colts pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? Will the Colts pick a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft?
AtoZSports: Colts picking 10th, take Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Third quarterback taken
“(T)here is still a world where neither (Jones or Richardson) does enough to keep the team out of the QB market in the 2026 NFL Draft. Cade Klubnik is my top QB in the class, and that would still be the case even if I thought Arch Manning was going to declare. If Klubnik is on the board here for the Colts, it would take a great 2025 season from Richardson to deter me from drafting him. He hasn’t done that yet, so I have the Colts resetting their rookie QB contract window by moving on from Richardson and selecting the dynamic Clemson QB.”
Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated: Colts picking 7th, Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Third quarterback taken
“If the Colts are picking in the top 10, it’s certainly possible that coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard won’t be turning in the card. It also means Indianapolis’ quarterback battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones likely proved futile. Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana from Cal after the 2024 season, has generated steady buzz throughout the summer. The 6-5, 225-pounder has prototypical size, a strong arm and the athleticism to extend plays. Mendoza is in line for a strong season under quarterback ace Curt Cignetti, and there’s plenty of value in the Colts staying local.”
Dame Parson, Bleacher Report: Colts picking 7th, Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Third quarterback taken
“Nussmeier’s insertion into this Colts offense, with the talent already on the roster, is a recipe for success. He is a natural passer who will be coming off his second season as a starter for LSU. He throws with good anticipation, accuracy and ball placement to maximize Indianapolis’ talented group of pass-catchers that includes Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, A.D. Mitchell and tight end Tyler Warren.”
Field Yates, ESPN: Colts picking 11th, Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Fifth quarterback taken
“The Colts recently named Daniel Jones as their starter for the 2025 season, which underscores the team’s big need for a true QB of the future. The ship seems to have already sailed on Anthony Richardson Sr. Allar has ideal 6-5, 235-pound size, good mobility and a rocket arm. I also see moments of creativity on the tape. The tools and upside have evaluators intrigued, but they also want to see more consistency and urgency in the pocket in 2025. If he puts it all together, Allar would be a great get for the Colts in this range.”
Charlie Campbell, Walter Football: Colts picking 13th, Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
“Terrell (5-11, 180) is a fast and fluid cover corner who is extremely adept at running the route to prevent separation. He has excellent ball skills, instincts, and plays bigger and stronger than his size. The size and future durability are the biggest concerns for the NFL. Terrell worked his way onto the field as a freshman and had five starts. He recorded 19 tackles with four passes broken up and an interception. In 2024, Terrell started every game and totaled 58 tackles with two interceptions, 12 passes broken up, three forced fumbles, and 4.5 tackles for a loss. Terrell is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell.”
Tarringo Basile-Vaughan, NFL Mocks: Colts picking 2nd (moving up from No. 7 in a trade with the Cleveland Browns), Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Second quarterback taken
“The Colts … will be coming off the Anthony Richardson debacle and will turn to another Manning to save the franchise.”
Nate Atkins and Joel A. Erickson cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.