Former Louisville football star Tyler Shough is in a battle for the starting job with the New Orleans Saints. Shough was selected No. 40 overall by the Saints, and after Derek Carr retired, all eyes went to Shough and Spencer Rattler to see who was going to start for Kellen Moore's offense.
Shough had a solid showing in his first preseason game, where he went 15-of-22 for 165 yards, a touchdown pass, and an interception. All eyes were back on Shough, where his number was called to start against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Saints' second preseason showdown.
Shough had another solid performance, but a beautiful dime highlighted his game two performance, which he threw to Treyton Welch in the second quarter.
Related: It only took Tyler Shough two minutes to prove he should start over Spencer Rattler
Tyler Shough throws incredible deep pass during Saints preseason game
Early in the second quarter, while the Saints were trailing 7-0, Shough was trying to spark the offense and get a drive going. With the former Cardinal backed up on the Saints' 10-yard line, Shough dropped back and threw a beautiful back shoulder pass to Welch for 28 yards.
SHOUGH! WELCH! what a throw, what a catch.
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 17, 2025
📺 @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/YGuGEhWkSh
Shough ended up leading the Saints down the field and leading them to a field goal, cutting the lead to 7-3. He ended his performance going 9-of-12 for 66 yards. The competition tightened up after this game as Rattler ended up being the star of the day for the Saints as he went 18-of-24 for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and tied the game with his legs on a two-point conversion.
When Moore was asked about the competition after the game, he stated he doesn't know yet, but the two quarterbacks are competing, and he indicated he wants to make his decision soon.
“Sooner always is better, but these guys are competing and they’re giving everything that we can ask," Moore stated, according to ESPN. "So, we’ll continue to evaluate.”
Moore is running out of time on his decision as the Saints' last preseason game is Saturday, August 23, and then their first regular season game is September 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Related: Ex-Louisville star CB's first INT just boosted Tyler Shough’s shot at Saints’ QB1 job
For all the latest on Louisville football's offseason, stay tuned.