The Indianapolis Colts brought in quarterback Daniel Jones to rival former No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson after he struggled again in 2024. Still, chances are the organization doesn’t want the former New York Giants starter to outperform him to give Richardson every chance to prove himself.
But if 2025 holds a similar fate for Richardson, Indianapolis’ front office may have no choice but to move on, potentially selecting one of the top passers in college football who posted nearly a 70% completion rate in 2024.
Indianapolis Colts Predicted To Draft a First-Round QB in 2026 NFL Draft If Anthony Richardson Fails Again
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.
Meanwhile, Jones has 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.
That’s why PFSN’s Mark Stolte predicted the Colts would finally hit the reset button at QB in the 2026 NFL Draft and select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza at No. 9 overall.
“The Indianapolis Colts have a great setup for a quarterback,” Stolte wrote. “A top-10 offensive line, a star running back, a young receiver group, and a defense that’s coming back together. The last piece? The QB.
“Fernando Mendoza ranked 32nd in time to throw at 2.59 seconds last year. That matches what you see on film — he diagnoses well and reacts quickly when pressure comes. He likes to extend plays, which leads to sacks, and it shows in a rough 25% pressure-to-sack rate.
Can’t wait to see Fernando Mendoza at Indiana this season. Dude can sling it pic.twitter.com/MzvkBCnEqD
— Drew Beatty (@IronCityFilm) June 2, 2025
“Still, Mendoza is an accurate passer (28th in adjusted completion percentage) and has room to grow with Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers. If Shane Steichen somehow sticks around, this could be a perfect pairing.”
As Stolte pointed out, Mendoza still needs to fine-tune his footwork and rein in some of his risk-taking, but his upside is massive. He has the size, the arm, the toughness, and more than enough functional athleticism to navigate space.
Over his first two years at California, Mendoza has shown himself to be an incredibly efficient passer, tallying 4,712 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Standing at 6’5″, 225 pounds, he threw for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2024 while completing nearly 70% of his passes. The 21-year-old has also rushed for a combined 197 yards and four more scores in the two seasons.
Mendoza transferred to the Hoosiers this season, and if he can see a jump under Curt Cignetti’s leadership, the Colts fans can be less worried about Richardson turning out to be a bust.
I think they need to get rid of him now and find another qb1 he’s definitely not to answer I’ve always said that when they drafted him get rid of them now take your losses and move on he’s not the answer
Richardson is NOT AN ALPHA … he’s not a dog , which is REQUIRED to play QB in the NFL. He got PAID , wants to go back to Florida, party on the beach , and have fun . Good for him , I ain’t mad at him, it’s the Colts fault for not doing their homework. Talent w/o drive is just talent , not an NFL QB!