Louisville football and New Orleans Saints fans just learned that the former Louisville Cardinal and second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tyler Shough, will not start, and returning quarterback Spencer Rattler will start for KKellen Moore.
Shough was selected No. 40 overall and as the Saints' second-round draft pick. The former Louisville star earned a fully guaranteed contract after an impressive summer training camp, but when it came to the three preseason games, Moore and his staff trusted Rattler just a tad more.
Related: Tyler Shough stuns fans with perfect deep pass during Saints preseason game
Tyler Shough named Saints backup QB
Shough appeared to be the star of the first preseason game after Rattler put up zero points in the first half. However, the former South Carolina quarterback was the star of the show in the second preseason game and got the nod to start the third preseason game with the starters, making it appear clear that he was the frontrunner for the starting role.
"Spencer Rattler's our starting quarterback," Moore stated Tuesday afternoon. "Really, really excited for him. He's done an awesome job this offseason. He's just been consistent. He's made some really good decisions throughout this whole entire process. And his ability to make plays with his arm and his feet has certainly showed up."
Spencer Rattler has been named the #Saints starting QB, Kellen Moore announced pic.twitter.com/AECr38PC2v
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 26, 2025
Just because Rattler is getting the nod to start Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals does not mean Shough will not get an opportunity to take the position over. However, after being selected No. 40 overall, ahead of Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, it is clear that this was not the plan for the Saints.
This wasn't the plan for Shough, and it is a setback for the former Cardinal, but his future remains bright, according to Moore. The rookie quarterback received praise from Moore in the press conference for his development and the direction he is trending as a player.
"At the same time, we're really, really fortunate we've got Tyler," Moore stated. "Love the development that he's had over the course of this entire offseason. He's done a number of things for the first time in his career, just navigating that. I think that's an important aspect when you're a younger quarterback to let the whole process play itself out. I thought he capped it off with just an excellent performance against Denver on the last preseason game."
Shough's NFL journey is off to a devastating start, but the former Cardinal has a lot of potential, and Moore believes these two quarterbacks are poised to develop into stars.
Related: Saints insider delivers crushing update to ex-Louisville QB ahead of NFL season
For all the latest on Louisville football's 2025 season, stay tuned.