The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback carousel may soon get another spin — and this time, it could come with a full reset.
As early 2026 NFL mock drafts begin to surface, a familiar name has entered the Colts’ conversation. UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is being projected to land in Indianapolis, a move that could bring the Anthony Richardson experiment to an abrupt and unceremonious end.
Could the Indianapolis Colts Eye Their Next Franchise QB in 2026 NFL Draft?
It’s no secret the Colts have a quarterback problem. Richardson regressed badly in 2024, completing just 47.7% of his passes with 12 interceptions and only eight touchdowns. While he flashed athletic brilliance, he lacked consistency, decision-making, and — most importantly — accuracy.
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell didn’t hold back: “He’s the ultimate boom-or-bust quarterback in the NFL today.” It’s hard to argue. The former No. 4 overall pick became just the fourth quarterback since the AFL-NFL merger to lead the league in yards per completion while ranking dead last in completion percentage.
Add Daniel Jones to the mix, and things get even murkier. Jones, brought in to push Richardson, won only three games across 2023 and 2024. His 18.6% win rate and turnover issues don’t exactly inspire confidence. The Colts now have two quarterbacks fighting for relevance — and neither may be the answer.
Who Is Nico Iamaleava — and Why Is He a Fit?
Enter Nico Iamaleava. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound signal-caller threw 19 touchdowns for Tennessee in 2024 — 27 total in his career — added three rushing touchdowns, and quietly led the Vols to a College Football Playoff berth as a redshirt freshman. He completed 63.8% of his passes for 2,616 yards and limited mistakes with just five interceptions.
The numbers don’t scream superstar, but scouts rave about his arm strength, mobility, and ability to extend plays. His transfer to UCLA — widely viewed as NIL-driven — sparked debate but hasn’t hurt his draft stock. He remains one of the top quarterback prospects for 2026, with the raw tools to grow into a long-term NFL starter.
Yes, he’s raw. But at just 20 years old, Iamaleava has room to develop — and in a quarterback room as unstable as Indy’s, that may be worth the risk.
For now, the Colts haven’t closed the door on Richardson. But with the franchise stuck in post-Andrew Luck limbo for so long, patience is running thin. If Richardson doesn’t make a leap in 2025, Indianapolis could be forced to act — and based on early mocks, they’re already bracing for that scenario.
Whether it’s Iamaleava, Jalen Milroe, or another rising name, quarterback will dominate the conversation in Indy until a true solution emerges. And if Richardson can’t seize this final shot, someone else probably will.