Former Louisville football star Quincy Riley was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round, teaming him up with the Cardinals' former quarterback Tyler Shough. Both Cardinals are expected to make an immediate impact for Kellen Moore's Saints, but in recent news, Riley just helped out Shough big-time.
The Cardinals' former cornerback is coming off a tremendous college football career, having emerged as Jeff Brohm's top cornerback. Riley was one of the best cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he is proving it in the Saints' training camp.
Shough recently signed his fully guaranteed contract and is participating in camp. The Cardinals' star quarterback is now in competition for the starting role in Moore's offense with Spencer Rattler, and Riley just helped his former teammate out big-time.
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Former Louisville football star's first interception came at perfect time
Shough is emerging as Moore's top candidate for his starting quarterback, and Riley is proving why. Saints training camp started earlier this week, and with scrimmages underway, Riley just earned his first training camp interception. It wasn't against Shough, but rather against his competition, Spencer Rattler.
Rattler picked off by Quincy Riley pic.twitter.com/0bQb5TnG8j
— juan kincaid (@juangkincaid) July 24, 2025
Riley is known as an absolute ball hawk, as evidenced by his 34 pass deflections and 15 interceptions in college. The former star cornerback for Louisville spent his first three seasons at Middle Tennessee, where he made C-USA All-Freshman in 2020 and First Team All-C-USA in 2021 after leading the team with five interceptions, a career high.
Riley then went on to be named All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2023 after recording career highs with 10 pass deflections, 49 total tackles, and 20 solo tackles. It comes as no surprise that Riley is making a name for himself early into training camp.
It's a massive cherry on top because he is now helping out his former teammate. Moore stated that if Shough is to win the starting position, it is because he out-talents Rattler, not because he is a rookie. Riley's interception against Rattler helps Shough tremendously to earn the starting job.
Moore is expected to announce his starter after the Saints' three preseason games and ahead of their 2025 regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Riley is trending in the right direction to be a solid piece for the Saints defense, but the bigger story behind his interception is a former Cardinal helping his college teammate.
Shough impressed many Saints fans and experts all offseason. He will need more of these situations to win that starting job and be the main QB next season.
For all the latest on Louisville football's offseason, and the NFL Draft stay tuned.