Introduction

Tyler Shough’s journey from high-school standout in Arizona to becoming a second-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in the NFL is a compelling story of perseverance, talent, and adaptability. In this SEO-optimised article we’ll explore his draft selection, college stats, high school background, personal life (including his wife), and how he fits with the Saints.
1. Early Life & High School
Born on September 28, 1999, in Chandler, Arizona, Shough played at Hamilton High School (Chandler, AZ) where he emerged as a top-prospect quarterback.
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At Hamilton HS, he became the starting varsity quarterback as a junior for the 2016 season.
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As a senior in 2017 he earned first-team 6A Premier League honours and all-Chandler Unified School District awards.
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He was rated a consensus four-star pro-style quarterback and was one of Arizona’s top QBs in his class.
His high school performance set the stage for his collegiate career.
2. College Career – Oregon, Texas Tech & Louisville
Shough’s college journey spans three institutions: University of Oregon (Oregon Ducks), Texas Tech University (Red Raiders) and University of Louisville (Cardinals).
At Oregon (2018-20)
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He redshirted in 2018; in 2019 he backed up Justin Herbert, registering 144 passing yards and 3 touchdowns in five games.
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In 2020 he started all seven games, completing 63.4 % of passes for 1,559 yards and 13 TDs, and rushed for 271 yards and 2 TDs.
At Texas Tech (2021-23)
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He transferred to Texas Tech and appeared in 15 games (13 starts) for the Red Raiders. Completed 237-of-380 passes (62.4 %) for 2,922 yards, 20 TDs and 11 INTs; added 136 rush attempts for 432 yards and 8 TDs.
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He suffered injury setbacks (including broken collarbone) which limited his availability.
At Louisville (2024)
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In his lone season with the Cardinals, he started 12 games, completed 244-of-389 passes (62.7 %) for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
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His rushing numbers were modest that year but he demonstrated his arm strength and maturity.
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Over his collegiate career (42 games), Shough completed 599-of-951 passes (63.0 %) for 7,820 yards, 59 touchdowns and carried the ball 246 times for 733 yards and 11 rushing TDs.
Key takeaways:
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Big frame (6′5″) and arm talent.
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Multiple transfers and injury history created challenges.
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Final college season at Louisville showed breakout productivity.
3. NFL Draft & Selection by the Saints
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Tyler Shough was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 40th overall pick (second round).
This selection raised some eyebrows given his age (turning 26 early in his rookie season) and collegiate injury history.
Contract details & early status
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He signed a four-year contract with the Saints in July 2025.
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Entered a quarterback competition in New Orleans for the starting role between him, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.
Why the Saints picked him:
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The Saints were looking for a quarterback with size, arm strength and maturity.
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Shough’s experience, despite being older than typical rookies, may lend him readiness.
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The pick reflected a longer-term view: he might not start immediately but could be groomed.
4. High School to Pro: What the Stats & Profile Show
High School
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As a senior at Hamilton HS in Chandler, AZ, he threw for ~3,071 yards and 30 TDs with only 5 interceptions.
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Ranked as the No. 1 QB in Arizona in his class.
College Summary
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Career completion rate ~63.0 %.
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Career passing yards ~7,820, 59 TDs.
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Final season at Louisville: 3,195 yards, 23 TDs, 6 INTs.
Strengths
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Ideal size for a pro quarterback (6′5″, 219 lbs).
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Strong arm and mobility — able to make throws on the run and extend plays.
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Mature mindset given his age and experience.
Challenges / Opportunities
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Multiple injuries (broken collarbone, fibula) have hindered his continuity.
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Older for a rookie quarterback—which can limit perceived long-term upside.
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Decision-making under pressure and deep-ball consistency flagged by analysts.
5. Personal Life & Wife
Tyler Shough is married to Jordan Shough (née Wormdahl), a former soccer player at the University of Oregon. According to sources:
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He proposed to Jordan in Mexico on May 14, 2022.
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They were married on April 6, 2024.
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Jordan garnered attention during his draft night, drawing media coverage of the couple.
Their relationship underscores the off-field stability behind Shough and adds a human interest dimension to his profile.
6. Fit with the Saints & Outlook
As a rookie in the NFL with the Saints, Shough’s role is developmental but significant:
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He brings prototypical size and arm strength.
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The Saints’ staff will likely groom him behind the starter before handing the reins.
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His experience might shorten the learning curve—but age and injury history mean the expectation should be tempered.
What to watch
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His first meaningful regular-season snaps: how he handles the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.
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His decision-making under pressure: whether the college concerns linger.
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How the Saints integrate him in their offense: will they design plays to his strengths (roll-outs, mobility) or ask a prototypical drop-back?
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Durability: staying healthy will be key for his first few years.
If all goes well, he could emerge as the Saints’ quarterback of the future. If not, he still offers value as a backup with starting experience potential.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What pick was Tyler Shough in the 2025 NFL Draft?
A: He was selected in the second round, 40th overall by the New Orleans Saints.
Q2: Which colleges did Tyler Shough play for?
A: Oregon (2018-20), Texas Tech (2021-23) and Louisville (2024).
Q3: What are his career college stats?
A: Over 42 games, 599-of-951 passes completed (63.0 %) for 7,820 yards, 59 touchdowns; rushed 246 times for 733 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Q4: What injuries has he had in college?
A: Among others, he suffered a broken collarbone and broken fibula during his Texas Tech tenure.
Q5: Who is Tyler Shough’s wife?
A: His wife is Jordan Shough (née Wormdahl), a former Oregon soccer player. They married on April 6, 2024.
Q6: What jersey number does he wear for the Saints?
A: He wears number 6.
Conclusion
Tyler Shough is a fascinating prospect: larger-than-life frame, strong arm, extensive college experience—but also an older rookie with injury baggage. For the New Orleans Saints, he offers a potential bridge to a future starting quarterback role. Whether he becomes the long-term answer remains to be seen, but his story—from Chandler, Arizona high school star to NFL draftee—is already one of resilience and promise.
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