Image Credit: Getty Images for Pepsi Zero Sugar
Tyler Shough arose as a prominent figure in the NFL during the 2025 season, eventually clinching the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year title following an impressive entrance with the New Orleans Saints. Shough accumulated 2,384 passing yards, 10 scores, and six picks, while achieving a 67.6% pass completion rate. He also established various franchise rookie benchmarks, notably the most passing yards, passing touchdowns, and best completion percentage for a Saints’ initial-year quarterback. His end-of-season momentum featured a personal best showing in Week 17 and selection for the PFWA All-Rookie squad, reinforcing his swift advancement within the league.
Entering as a first-year player, Shough mentioned that his intention was simply to contribute to the team’s achievements. “Whatever my role, I simply wanted to assist the squad,” he expressed. “This accolade truly represents all the dedication of my peers and coaches. I am eager to see our future trajectory!”
From his unique collegiate experience to his quick ascent with the New Orleans Saints, here’s what you should know concerning Shough.
He Was Picked by the Saints in 2025
Shough was drafted by the New Orleans Saints as the 40th selection overall during the second stage of the 2025 NFL Draft, which followed an extended and atypical college trajectory. Shough inked a four-year rookie agreement and initially competed for the starting position before being designated as the team’s primary quarterback halfway through his initial season.
He Played College Football at Three Institutions
Prior to joining the NFL, he dedicated seven seasons to collegiate football across three noteworthy Power 5 institutions: Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. Over that period, he participated in 42 contests and successfully completed 599 of 951 passes (63.0%) for 7,820 yards, securing 59 touchdowns, alongside rushing for 733 yards and 11 scores.
His journey encompassed earning a spot in the starting lineup at Oregon, navigating through several injuries at Texas Tech, and culminating in his most triumphant season at Louisville in 2024, where he passed for more than 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns before announcing his entry into the 2025 NFL Draft.
He Is Married
Away from the field, Shough is wedded to Jordan Wormdahl Shough, previously a soccer athlete at the Oregon Ducks. The couple initially became engaged during May 2022 and formalized their union in April 2024. In November 2025, they declared their anticipation of their initial offspring, a son expected in February 2026.
View this post on Instagram