Jan. 7, 2026, 10:35 p.m. ET
Following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, where did the Indianapolis Colts end up in the final power rankings?
As he does each week throughout the season, NFL.com’s Eric Edholm put his list together. After their seventh consecutive loss to finish 8-9 on the season, the Colts came in at No. 19 in Edholm’s final rankings — the same spot they were at a week ago.
“Credit the Colts for going for it and striking while the iron was hot, sitting at 7-2 this season,” Edholm wrote, “but the Sauce Gardner trade temporarily backfired — and the aftermath will be felt in the 2026 NFL Draft, as the Jets now own the 16th overall pick.”
Although the Colts fell short in their season finale against Houston, it was an impressive performance from rookie Riley Leonard, who made his first career start. But as was the case throughout the second half of the season, the Colts couldn’t make enough plays.
Principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has already announced that GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen will return for the 2026 season.
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For Ballard, this will be his 10th year as Colts’ GM. During that span, the Colts have two playoff appearances — including none since 2020 — one playoff win, and no division titles.
Irsay-Gordon explained in her season-ending press conference the reasons that Ballard will return for another year.
Looking ahead to the Indianapolis Colts‘ 2026 offseason
Another crucial offseason awaits Ballard and the Colts as this team looks to end its playoff drought.
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