Luke Rhodes Helps Keep Colts Special Teams on Track for 2026

From Underrated Role to Colts Pillar

Luke Rhodes, the Colts’ No. 46 long‑snapper, has been a quiet fixture since arriving in 2016. He took over as the starter in 2017 and quickly became a reliable backbone for the special‑teams unit. Over the years he earned two All‑Pro selections and one Pro Bowl invitation, proving his impact goes beyond the headlines.

His tenure includes a string of precise snaps that have set up punter Rigoberto Sanchez and kicker Blake Grupe for success. Sanchez enjoyed a standout 2025 campaign, while Grupe completed every field‑goal attempt after joining Indianapolis mid‑season. Rhodes’ consistency is the unseen glue that lets these athletes shine.

Last season PFF ranked him 13th among all long‑snappers in overall special‑teams grade, recognizing three solo tackles. Though long‑snappers rarely grab attention, Rhodes’ work enabled the Colts’ scoring opportunities and defensive field position.

What the 2026 Season Holds

Entering 2026, the expectation is that Rhodes continues the same dependable rhythm he has shown for the past nine years. Special‑teams coordinator Brian Mason praised him, saying he can’t recall a single bad snap in a long time. “We might see a slight miscommunication once or twice a year, but that’s minimal compared to other units,” Mason added via Horseshoe Huddle.

The Colts’ upward trajectory in 2025 was built on elements like these—small details that add up to big wins. With Rhodes still in the hip‑to‑top strike zone, Sanchez’s punting stays accurate and Grupe’s kicks remain perfect. Fans may not notice the long‑snapper until a mistake happens, but the absence of mistakes underscores his value.

As training camp approaches, Rhodes remains a steady presence, ready to set up whatever personnel the Colts deploy. His ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver snap after snap makes him a key piece of the roster, even if the broader audience rarely acknowledges it.

“Bad snaps? I can’t think of a single one,” special‑teams coordinator Brian Mason said of Rhodes, via Horseshoe Huddle. “Some slight little miscommunication or issue in protection happens once or twice a year, which from the perspective of other situations or other teams, is extremely minimal.”