Colts showing interest in a high upside wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft class who could replace Michael Pittman Jr.
Colts are getting a closer look at an intriguing wide receiver draft prospect who could replace Michael Pittman Jr., who the team traded away this offseason.
The Indianapolis Colts’ top needs, according to most around the league, are on the defensive side of the ball. The top three are edge rusher, linebacker, and safety, but there’s another major need on their roster on the offensive side of the ball.
To hand Alec Pierce his massive extension, the Colts decided to trade Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This leaves an important starting role for the team to fill.
They signed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in free agency, but the 2026 NFL Draft could be another opportunity for the team to find Pittman Jr.’s replacement. One option that they seem to be considering is Georgia State’s Ted Hurst, who is set to visit Indianapolis for a top-30 pre-draft visit.
WR Ted Hurst’ college stats
- Valdosta State 2022: 22 receptions, 431 yards, 6 touchdowns
- Valdosta State 2023: 38 receptions, 596 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Georgia State 2024: 56 receptions, 961 yards, 9 touchdowns
- Georgia State 2025: 71 receptions, 1,004 yards, 6 touchdowns
Colts scheduled to host Georgia State WR Ted Hurst
He isn’t one of the wide receivers in this year’s class that is believed to have a chance to hear his name called in the first round, but Hurst seems to be a favorite amongst NFL draft analysts. He has solid size at 6-4 and tested well with his 4.42-second 40-yard dash, standing out.
Hurst got better every single season in college, and there’s reason to believe he still has a lot of room left for him to grow. The Colts would likely have to use a second or maybe third-round pick on Hurst, but he would be a solid fit to join Pierce and Josh Downs as the franchise’s starting wide receiver trio for the future.
They also wouldn’t be forced to play Hurst right away, with Westbrook-Ikhine able to be the day-one starter while the young wide receiver learns the NFL ropes and builds confidence at the pro level. Which may make the Colts as good a fit for him as he is for them.
The Colts also have extensive experience drafting Senior Bowl standouts, and Hurst impressed those in attendance with his performance during the week of practice. It’s easy to see why his game would fit the Colts, but this visit will allow the Colts to get a better grasp of his medicals and who he is as a person. Both of which will play a factor in whether they feel comfortable turning in a draft card with his name on it.
It could ultimately mean nothing, and the Colts might not select him in the 2026 NFL Draft, but I do think it’s notable. The Colts’ scheduling this top-30 visit means they have enough surface-level interest in Hurst to do the work to gather as much information about him as possible. He is defintely someone to monitor when the draft arrives in April.
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