Does a world exist in which Richardson starts for the Colts in 2026?

Sep 14, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) warms up prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images I’ve been watching a lot of Stranger Things recently.

Because of that, I do believe there is a world in which Anthony Richardson finds him under center for the 2026 iteration of the Indianapolis Colts . It’s called the “Upside Down”. For non-fans of the show, that is the world that exists under ours in a spooky, mirror-like reverse image.

Now, speaking truthfully, there is a real world way Richardson starts for the Colts in the sense there is a chance for about anything to happen, but also speaking truthfully, the “Upside Down” kind of seems like the only way. Bridges have been burned and future plans have been made that don’t include Richardson. There wasn’t a public blowup but enough of the tension has bubbled to the surface to understand there is no home in Indy for the young, oft-maligned quarterback.

The tap-out and subsequent benching was the public beginning of the end. Behind the scenes, there were probably a dozen more reasons why the Colts now feel the need to move on. Add in an extremely rich replacement and a fresh face that impressed in week 18, and the mountain against Richardson continues to rise.