In a move that’s drawing the attention of NFL analysts across the country, the Indianapolis Colts have once again made a bold and strategic grab—this time in the form of a key three-star recruit from a longtime rival pipeline. The front office, led by GM Chris Ballard and Head Coach Shane Steichen, appears to be building a team not just for the present, but for sustainable long-term success by bolstering depth at critical positions.
The Colts have officially landed a verbal commitment from Jeremiah Colston, a versatile defensive back from SEC country who flipped from Tennessee after a surprise weekend visit to Indianapolis. While not a headline-making five-star, Colston is the kind of under-the-radar prospect that championship rosters are quietly built around. At 6-foot-1 with a 4.43 forty time, he brings size, speed, and an aggressive mentality that fits perfectly within the Colts’ evolving defensive scheme.
This marks the third consecutive cycle that Indianapolis has poached talent from major college programs with a reputation for NFL-ready players. Last year, they stunned many by landing Darius Mallory out of Alabama. This year, they’ve doubled down on the approach—prioritizing character, football IQ, and athletic upside over recruiting stars.
Insiders believe this is part of a broader strategy implemented by Steichen and Ballard, who have emphasized building depth across the roster after seasons derailed by key injuries. Colston’s commitment comes amid a wave of youth-centric moves that indicate a shift in philosophy. The Colts aren’t just looking for starters—they’re building a stable of hungry, developmental athletes ready to contribute when called upon.
For Colts fans, the energy around the team’s recruiting and drafting process is the highest it’s been in years. After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the front office is clearly operating with urgency. With young stars like Anthony Richardson returning healthy and veteran leaders setting the tone in camp, the addition of high-upside recruits like Colston could be the difference between mediocrity and a legitimate playoff push.
And make no mistake—the AFC South is wide open.
As teams like the Jaguars and Texans rise and fall in consistency, the Colts are slowly but surely stacking talent in every corner of the field. Whether it’s cornerback, wide receiver, or special teams, this latest move shows that Indianapolis is committed to fielding not just a strong 2025 starting roster, but an elite second unit as well.
It’s still early in the draft cycle, and much can change, but for now, one thing is clear: the Colts are no longer just reacting—they’re aggressively building, recruiting, and redefining what success looks like in a post-Andrew Luck era.
The franchise that once had the quarterback of the future now appears to have a future that stretches far beyond one name.