This is the last installment in the March Madness series, and while it could have been the first, think of it in terms of the last four in. The bubble teams are the ones on the fringes. It seems like we have some sense of who they are but aren’t 100% sure. They still need to prove their worth. The Indianapolis Colts have some bubbles heading into the 2026 season that need to put in more work so we can truly define whether they are worthy.
An Injured Daniel Jones Gets Paid
The Colts look like they will be getting some much needed quarterback stability, but they had to pay a hefty price for it. Jones got a massive payday and is coming off a torn Achilles. The first half of the season makes the deal seem fair, but that wasn’t the whole story. Bubble teams get some big wins and have some bad losses. That is exactly what Jones looks like heading into the season. The lingering question is just how healthy will he be in 2026?
Alec Pierce’s Renaissance
Fact or fiction: Pierce is a number one receiver? The Colts are about to find out. If he turns up the dial another notch from last year, the answer will be yes. Pierce seems like a First-Four type of example. No one is exactly sure what to make of him because he turned it on late after a lackluster start but did enough to make it in. He also seems like a Texas team that, once he got his opportunity, he took full advantage of it. Someone on the bubble has a lot to prove and the hope is Pierce will deliver.
New Owner, Who Dis?
The Colts have new ownership after the passing of Jim Irsay. His daughters are now in charge. The early returns are somewhat encouraging, but it is impossible to know much for sure at this point. Carlie Irsay-Gordon is heavily involved and isn’t afraid to let her GM make a bold move. That is something fans love to see. This group also kept the same management staff after a disappointing few years. That can be scrutinized as well. More data is needed. A few bad or good decisions will shape the immediate future and determine their bubble status.
Sometimes bubbles burst. It’s a precarious situation built on unsteady ground. Give these examples a chance and any of them could surprise you too. When a team that may or may not have been worthy makes the tournament and wins a game or two, it reshapes everything in ways we will never know. Same thing here. However these bubbles go, the Colts franchise will be altered forever.
See More:
