It’s no secret that Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has struggled in his first two NFL seasons. The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft has not lived up to the hype coming out of Florida, and his future in Indianapolis is uncertain.
With the 2026 quarterback class looking loaded, one analyst recently projected the Colts to draft Richardson’s replacement in a 2026 mock draft.
Colts Projected To Pick 44-TD Quarterback in 2026 To Replace Anthony Richardson
It may only be August, but mock draft season is already underway. PFSN’s Jacob Infante released his seven-round 2026 NFL mock Draft.
Infante’s mock saw four teams take quarterbacks in the top ten picks, including the Indianapolis Colts, who selected LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier with the No. 7 overall pick. It’s an interesting pick, and if Richardson can’t turn things around in 2025, the Colts should look to the draft for a replacement. Nussmeier is a strong option.
The LSU quarterback had a breakout year as the starter in 2024, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. After committing as a four-star prospect, he’s been with the Tigers since 2021.
The play that sold me on Garrett Nussmeier.
Down 23-16
4th & 5
:32 seconds left
Touchdown
LSU vs. Ole Miss (2024) pic.twitter.com/56G0ACnDe1
— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) December 7, 2024
Over his career at LSU, Nussmeier has totaled 5,772 yards and 44 total touchdowns. Many project him as a first-round pick in 2026, and if the Colts select him, it would signal a significant change from Richardson.
Richardson and Nussmeier are complete opposites. Coming out of Florida, Richardson was praised for his raw talent. He has a rocket arm and impressive athleticism, but he struggles with his footwork and ability to read coverages and shows inconsistent accuracy. He appeared in just 24 college games, starting only 13 of them.
Nussmeier, by contrast, has average arm strength and athleticism but thrives with his consistent footwork, ability to read defenses, and accuracy. He has played in 31 college games and managed 14 starts in four years.
The Colts drafted Richardson knowing he was a project, but their efforts to develop him have fallen short so far. If his struggles continue this season, the front office may turn to the more polished and pro-ready option in Nussmeier to avoid repeating the same mistake.
The 2026 NFL Draft is still far away, and a lot can change during the NFL and college football seasons, but as it stands right now, Nussmeier to the Colts is a pick that makes a lot of sense for Indianapolis.
