Jan. 7, 2026, 10:35 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, where did the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> end up in the final power rankings?<\/p>\n As he does each week throughout the season, NFL.com’s Eric Edholm<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n “Credit the Colts for going for it and striking while the iron was hot, sitting at 7-2 this season,” Edholm wrote, “but the\u00a0Sauce Gardner<\/a>\u00a0trade temporarily backfired — and the aftermath will be felt in the 2026 NFL Draft, as the Jets now\u00a0own the 16th overall pick<\/a>.”<\/p>\n Although the Colts fell short in their season finale against Houston, it was an impressive performance from rookie Riley Leonard<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has already announced that GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen will return for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Irsay-Gordon explained<\/a> in her season-ending press conference the reasons that Ballard will return for another year.<\/p>\n Looking ahead to the Indianapolis Colts<\/a>‘ 2026 offseason<\/p>\n Another crucial offseason awaits Ballard and the Colts as this team looks to end its playoff drought.<\/p>\n – When is Colts first pick in 2026 NFL draft<\/a>?<\/p>\n – ESPN picks Colts’ top 2 offseason priorities<\/a><\/p>\n