Tyler Shough Gets Called Out For Spending 7 Years in College Football By Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman is baffled with Tyler Shough's college tenure that spanned across seven yars.

Tyler Shough Gets Called Out For Spending 7 Years in College Football By Troy Aikman

Tyler Shough and Troy Aikman (via Imago and Fox Sports)

During Monday’s rivalry game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons, ESPN announcer Troy Aikman took a dig at Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. Aikman poked fun at Shough’s time in college.

The Saints trailed by seven points in the first quarter after Falcons running back Bijan Robinson scored on the opening play. Ten minutes in, Shough delivered his audible to his teammates before the snap.

During the brief pause, Aikman spoke about Shough’s college career. He sounded baffled to share that Shough played seven years of college football before becoming an NFL pro last season.

Aikman said during the Monday Night Football broadcast:

He’s 27 years old now… I am not sure how you get seven years of college. I don’t understand college football these days… I have heard of six years but I never heard of seven. He played in all seven years. Obviously, he’s got some maturity.

Shough committed to play for the Oregon Ducks. He served as backup to Justin Herbert (the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback). Over his first two years, Shough appeared in 8 games. In his third year, he went 4-3 as the starter.

In 2021, he transferred to play for Texas Tech. Three years and 15 starts later, he moved on once more. This time, he transferred to ACC’s University of Louisville.

During his final and seventh year, Shough went 8-4. He completed 244 passes for 3195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. The Saints drafted him 40th overall.

Shough made his Saints debut in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks. He played in 11 games and started 9. He went 5-4 in the regular season. Shough ended his rookie year with 221 completions for 2384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He also had 3 rushing touchdowns on 45 carries.

In Week 2 of 2026, Shough upset the Ravens with a 24-17 victory after falling to the Lions on opening day. Against the Raiders on match day three, Shough threw 4 touchdowns but failed to secure a second win of the year.

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Tyler Shough and the Saints fall to the Falcons

On the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Caesars Superdome hosted the Saints and the Falcons. Saints were 1.5-point favorites at kickoff. But the Falcons proved that Vegas odds are overrated.

Tyler Shough Gets Called Out For Spending 7 Years in College Football By Troy Aikman
Tyler Shough (Image via IMAGO)

Bijan Robinson broke the deadlock on the visitors’ first drive, and they never looked back. Robinson scored two touchdowns while Brian Robinson Jr. posted 3 rushing TDs. Former first-round draft pick Jahan Dotson scored one receiving touchdown.

The Saints gave it a good fight. However, Shough had an uncharacteristic off day. He overthrew his receivers several times. According to Falcons reporter Will McFadden and NFL Next Gen Stats, Shough attempted 9 passes over 20 yards on Monday. He completed just one pass. Shough finished 30 of 48 for 286 yards, 1 touchdown, and an 85.9 passer rating.

The Saints added two scores on the ground through running back Alvin Kamara, and Shough threw a TD pass to Devaughn Vele. Chris Olave recorded his third 100-yard outing.

The Saints lost 45-21. With that defeat, the Saints are 1-3 while the Falcons are 2-2. Up next, they face the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.

Shough leads the NFL with 121 completions, 1203 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. In 15 games since becoming a Saint, Shough has completed 67.5% of his passes for 3587 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He has also added 4 rushing touchdowns.

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