When it comes to experiencing the highs and lows of college football, few can match Louisville’s quarterback, Tyler Shough. At 25, Shough has spent an impressive seven years in the college football scene: three with Oregon, three more at Texas Tech, and one last memorable season as Louisville’s starting QB. Shough’s journey has been filled with twists and turns, but he looks back with gratitude for the challenges he’s faced and the lessons learned along the way.
Reflecting on his time in college football, Shough shared at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, “You walk into college hoping to play three years and head straight to the league for a standout career. I wanted that too, no lie. But honestly, this experience has been invaluable. It’s changed my perspective completely.”
Despite having endured a series of unfortunate injuries, Shough’s resilient spirit shines through. It all began in 2021 with a broken left collarbone. Just as he was gearing up to start for Texas Tech, the same collarbone was injured again. His tough luck continued into his final year at Texas Tech, where he only managed four games before fracturing his fibula. For most, such setbacks might signal the end, but not for Shough.
“Injuries teach you a lot,” he says. “They prepare you mentally for the NFL—anything can happen. They’ve shaped who I am today, and I’m genuinely thankful for each hurdle.”
While Shough is just months younger than NFL player Justin Fields, he doesn’t see his age as a hurdle in the upcoming draft. Rather, he embraces it as a potential asset.
“I don’t think age is viewed negatively in the NFL. Nobody has raised concerns about it with me. I see it as a plus. Quarterbacks keep getting better into their thirties. Just look at guys like Bo Nix, Michael Penix, or Jayden Daniels. They faced challenges in college yet found quick success in the NFL. I believe age brings maturity and improves you as a quarterback.”
The passage of time has indeed worked in Shough’s favor in college. His seventh season was a breakthrough, as he started all 12 games, racking up 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns, and led Louisville to a commendable 8-4 finish. The statistics were impressive, yet Shough believes his true abilities go well beyond the numbers.
“Watch the tape,” he suggests. “You’ll see my various arm angles, my pocket mobility, my athletic prowess. What you might miss are the intangibles—the pre-snap adjustments and the finesse in optimizing plays.”
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 219 pounds, Shough possesses an ideal build for a classic pocket passer. His ability to gain yards on the ground at Oregon and Texas Tech complements his skill set. With a swift 4.64-second 40-yard dash, his speed is undeniable.
Though he didn’t run much during his time at Louisville, he honed a crucial skill for the NFL: body preservation and evading sacks.
“Longevity and availability are key in the NFL. I’m ready to do what it takes to clinch a win, yet my Louisville experience taught me the art of avoiding sacks and safeguarding my body,” he muses.
Recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers invited Shough for a visit. Our analyst, Alex Kozora, predicts a third-round draft for Shough, ranking him as the fourth-best quarterback in the class. Kozora likens him to a more seasoned, slightly less athletic and accurate Will Howard. But the big question remains—will Omar Khan bet on this seasoned rookie on Day 2 of the NFL Draft?
To delve deeper, check out our comprehensive scouting report below.
