Tyler Shough: The Saints QB Ready to Break Out in 2026

Shough's Rise from Underdog to Starter

When I first watched Tyler Shough take the field in his second season, I wasn't expecting what I saw. The New Orleans Saints' second-round pick had been a bit of a mystery during training camp—outplayed by Spencer Rattler and not given much opportunity to show what he could do. But once he stepped into the lineup as a starter in the latter part of last year's season, Shough lit up the field like he'd been practicing for it his entire life.

"There is no young quarterback better set up for success than [Shough]," said one NFL executive who spoke with me. "Kellen Moore is a brilliant offensive mind, and he's surrounded by top-tier talent. He already had Olave and Johnson. Travis Etienne? A dynamic runner who's better than Alvin Kamara at this stage."

That's right—this isn't just some flash-in-the-pan story. Shough has all the ingredients for a true breakout season: a proven offensive system, a coach who understands how to develop quarterbacks, and the kind of talent that can elevate a team's entire offense.

The 2025 Season: A Leap Forward

Shough's performance in the final quarter of last year was nothing short of stunning. Over his last five games, he completed 67.6% of his passes for 1,449 yards and 8 touchdowns, with just one interception. His mobility also added a crucial element to the Saints' attack—he rushed for 186 yards and three touchdowns during that stretch.

What's especially impressive is how he handled pressure. As NFL scouts noted, Shough showed remarkable poise under duress, which is exactly what separates good quarterbacks from great ones. His development wasn't just statistical—it was about confidence, leadership, and understanding his role within the system.

Coaching Matters: Kellen Moore's Influence

Shough didn't get there by accident. Under head coach Kellen Moore, who has a reputation for maximizing player potential, Shough is now in a position to truly shine. Moore is known for his ability to design efficient, high-performing systems—something that really plays to Shough's strengths.

One scout even went so far as to call Shough the best rookie quarterback of 2025—not just because he played well, but because he showed maturity beyond his years and an understanding of how to execute in a complex offensive scheme. The fact that he was already adapting to Moore's style after only one season is a testament to his intelligence and dedication.

The Impact of Key Players

Another factor in Shough's potential success? The talent surrounding him. With wide receiver Chris Olave, tight end Juwan Johnson, and running back Travis Etienne all on the roster, the Saints have built a supporting cast that can elevate any quarterback's performance.

But there's a catch. One key piece of the puzzle, Jordyn Tyson, is dealing with a hamstring injury that will sideline him for at least four weeks—and possibly longer. That's a blow to the team, but it doesn't change what we've already seen from Shough. He's proven he can succeed even without his full arsenal.

From Louisville to the NFL: A Career of Resilience

Before making it to the NFL, Shough spent time at Oregon and Texas Tech, but injuries derailed much of his college journey. He transferred to Louisville in his final year—something that could have been a career-ending move—but instead, it turned into a defining moment.

Under coach Jeff Brohm, Shough found stability and success. In 2024, he completed 63% of his passes for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns with just six interceptions, leading Louisville to a 9-4 record. The fact that he was able to thrive under such conditions speaks volumes about his mental toughness.

Brohm himself said it best: "He was durable. He played hard. He had grit. And when things didn't go well, he didn't point the finger at anyone." That kind of character is rare and invaluable—especially in the NFL.

Bears' Rising Stars: A New Era Begins

While Shough may be the headline-grabbing star in the Saints' offense, we're not done talking about breakout candidates just yet. The Chicago Bears have two promising young players poised for a major leap in 2026.

Wide receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland are both being watched closely by scouts as potential elite-level talents. One NFC scout even said that he thinks Burden will become the Bears' #1 receiver ahead of Rome Odunze, citing his reliability and strong hands.

"I actually think Burden is going to end up as their No. 1 receiver," the scout told me. "He's got way better hands and is more reliable. Odunze is explosive, but at some point you lean on the guy who can make more plays. That's Burden."

Loveland, selected 10th overall in last year's draft, had a slow start but exploded in his final games—catching 28 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns in the last four weeks of the season. If coach Ben Johnson gives him consistent playing time, he could be one of the most dangerous weapons in the Bears' arsenal.

Final Thoughts: A Breakout Season Is In The Cards

When we think about breakout stars in the NFL, we often look at the names that have already made headlines. But sometimes, it's the quiet players who rise quietly to the top. Tyler Shough fits that mold perfectly.

With a great system, an experienced head coach, and a core of talented teammates, Shough is positioned to take his game to the next level in 2026. He already showed us what he can do; now it's time to see how far he can go.

I'll be watching closely—because if there's one thing I know about Shough, it's that he's ready to make a major impact when the season kicks off.