The 5 biggest reasons why we're excited about the 2026 Colts | The Colts Show

JJ Stankevitz and Larra Overton sit down to dig into what to expect from the 2026 Colts, starting with 5 major reasons for optimism centered around Shane Steichen, Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor and Lou Anarumo's secondary. They also look at some of the biggest remaining questions surrounding the Colts and serve up two under-the-radar players who could have a major impact on this team's success.

0:00 Pod Intro 2:48 The 5 reasons why we're optimistic about the 2026 Colts 26:19 Questions at LB, DL, OL 37:35 Under-the-radar players

JJ Stankevitz sits down with defensive end Arden Key from Grand Park in Westfield following one of the Colts' final training camp practices. Entering his first season in Indianapolis, Key shares his early impressions of the Colts and reflects on what stood out about the team when facing them throughout his NFL career. He also discusses the energy and passion he brings to the field, qualities that have defined him at every stop along the way. Plus, Key offers his thoughts on his new teammates, including fellow defensive end Laiatu Latu, and what he sees from the Colts' evolving defense.

On Rivalry uniform release day, JJ Stankevitz is first joined by Colts Owner & Chief Brand Officer Kalen Jackson to discuss the Colts' new uniforms, which is a part of the Nike Rivalries Uniform Program. Jackson breaks down maintaining team tradition while also adding new elements to the uniform that she is thrilled for fans to see. Later, Nike Design Director for NFL Uniforms Ryan Airhart joins the show to share the design point of view and the expanded color palette Nike worked with. He also details the performance side of a new uniform, and how important the equipment room's input is on a project like this one.

0:00 Pod Intro
1:06 Road to 100 completion
2:06 Initial jersey thoughts
3:50 Staying true to tradition but also adding new features
5:15 Player feedback
6:40 Performance aspect
7:59 Revisions
9:26 Fan excitement
10:16 Creative input
13:13 Colts' history and looking forward
15:12 Ryan Airhart introduction
16:14 Process of making the uniform
18:16 Challenges and opportunities presented
20:00 Color palette expansion
21:04 Shoulder stripes
22:55 Candy blue helmets
23:52 Performance
25:09 Feeling when project gets revealed
26:33 Ignoring negative feedback and accepting positive feedback

Colts cornerback Justin Walley and defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau join JJ Stankevitz on the pod to explain how the adversity they faced as rookies in 2025 has molded them into better players in 2026, when both are expected to take on larger roles within Lou Anarumo's defense.

0:00 Pod intro
0:17 Justin Walley joins the pod
10:29 Jaylahn Tuimoloau joins the pod

JJ Stankevitz is joined by Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner for a conversation about what still drives him about football after a challenging offseason and a decade in the NFL, change on the D-line and goals for 2026.

0:00 Pod Intro 0:30 Buckner's recovery progress 2:23 Why Buckner is still playing 5:04 Appreciation for Indiana 7:15 New faces on D-line 9:26 Goals for 2026 10:27 Teammate trivia

JJ Stankevitz is joined from Grand Park by Colts right tackle Jalen Travis and defensive end Laiatu Latu following training camp practices. Travis discusses the opportunity ahead of him to cement himself as an NFL starter in his second year as a pro, what he did this offseason to prepare for it – including taking a salsa class – and his Next Is Now foundation. Latu then joins the pod to reflect on his football journey and what he learned at the annual Sack Summit ahead of Year 3 in the NFL for the former first-round pick.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen sits down with JJ Stankevitz for a conversation as players report to Grand Park for training camp on Tuesday. Steichen looks ahead to what to expect from quarterback Daniel Jones, several key position battles, how Josh Downs could be used and what he's looking for from the Colts' defense over the next month. Steichen also goes down a rabbit hole of how he plays Madden against his son...does he frequently win or lose the video game?

JJ Stankevitz and Larra Overton sit down for a bonus episode of the Colts Show with training camp beginning this week at Grand Park, with JJ and Larra looking at the five biggest storylines they'll be following over the next month in Westfield.

0:00 Pod Intro
3:34 Storyline #1: How's Alec Pierce's recovery going?
9:46 Storyline #2: How does Daniel Jones look?
15:52 Storyline #3: Is DeForest Buckner on track to play Week 1?
20:09 Storyline #4: Does the Colts' secondary make it hard to throw the ball in practice?
27:50 Storyline #5: Can Josh Downs get more involved in the offense?
30:40 Under the radar storylines
35:40 Training Camp breakout star predictions