With the Colts’ season starting next Sunday, there are many mixed opinions on what the year will look like. The Colts finished off last year with a record of 4-12, which caused sweeping changes in the organization. Some of the most interesting acquisitions of the offseason include the signing of a new head coach, Shane Steichen, a new offensive coordinator, Jim Bob Cooter, and a long-awaited rookie quarterback, Anthony Richardson. Colts fans have been aggravated for years because of how the Colts’ old head coach, Frank Reich, repeatedly chose to start old quarterbacks instead of drafting rookies. Anthony Richardson could be the change the Colts need.
Richardson was selected at pick four, in part because he is one of the most athletic NFL quarterbacks ever seen, representing a significant change in the Colts’ offense. However, it may take a couple of years for Anthony Richardson to develop, as he is considered a fairly raw prospect. In another interesting offseason development, the Colts also have contract issues with their all-pro running back, Jonathan Taylor, who requested a trade earlier this year and may not play for the Colts at all.
According to ESPN, the Colts have the 4th easiest schedule out of all NFL teams this year. This is largely due to the Colts being in the weak AFC South, where the division title could be claimed by any team. The Texans are a young team with a rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud. The Jaguars, last year’s division winner, also have a young team and a pro-bowl young quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. The Titans, who placed second in the Colts’ division, also have two young quarterbacks on the roster.
I have two record predictions for the Colts, and both are dependent on how Anthony Richardson performs. If Richardson has a rough year and takes a long time to develop, my prediction is the Colts will go 4-12. If Anthony Richardson performs well and adapts quickly to the NFL, my prediction is the Colts could reach 9 wins because of how easy their schedule is. When asked about what he thinks the Colts’ record will be this year, Andrew O’Brien ’25, said: “With the absence of Jonathan Taylor for the start of the season and a new, young quarterback who will be unpredictable, I think the Colts will go 6-11.” Michael Huse ’27, also answered, “I believe the Colts will have a record of 6-11 because of how many changes happened in the Colts’ organization; it could take time to become a winning team again.” Copper Wade ’27, responded, “I believe the Colts will go 4-12 because Anthony Richardson is still a raw talent.”
Overall, because the team had such a tumultuous offseason, the Colts’ record could really go either way this year. An AFC South title and a playoff berth are possible, but so is the second-overall pick in the draft. This will most certainly be a season to watch!
