With arguably an even better class than 2025, the anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft is already building. As the draft baton officially passes from Green Bay to Pittsburgh, all eyes turn toward the Steel City.
Could the hometown Steelers make a splash on their home turf during next year’s first round? Green Bay’s pick of wide receiver Matthew Golden out of Texas ignited the Lambeau crowd this year. Pittsburgh may be primed to deliver its memorable moment in 2026 — especially after how their 2025 draft unfolded.
Steelers 2025 Draft Decisions Lead to 2026 Choice?
Despite a quarterback room that only featured Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson heading into the 2025 draft, the Steelers waited until the sixth round to take a signal-caller. They selected reigning national champion Will Howard, who makes the short move from Columbus to Pittsburgh to join the black and gold.
Howard could develop into a strong option down the line, but some believe the team has its eyes set on another move — potentially acquiring 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Either way, 2025 could be a trial-and-error season under center. If that experiment falters, Pittsburgh will have its pick from a stacked 2026 quarterback class.
As hosts of next year’s draft, a first-round QB selection in front of the home crowd would generate serious buzz. PFSN’s Ian Cummings supports that possibility, projecting the Steelers to take Howard’s collegiate rival in his latest three-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers chose to pass on all of the early-round QBs in the 2025 NFL Draft and could have a contingency plan with Aaron Rodgers behind the scenes. Regardless, 2026 will be the QB cycle for Pittsburgh, and Drew Allar is a compelling in-state prospect,” Cummings wrote.
“A former five-star recruit, Allar showcased measured development with his accuracy in 2024 but also stagnated somewhat as a processor. At 6-foot-5, 238 pounds, his size and functional mobility are strengths; he has a rocket launcher arm with vast angle freedom, and he’ll still just be 22 years old on draft day in 2026.”
Drew Allar Polishing Off Collegiate Career en Route to NFL Stardom?
For Drew Allar and the Penn State Nittany Lions, the 2024 season marked a leap forward. Penn State made it to the College Football Playoff semifinals but fell short in a loss to Notre Dame. Allar had a solid game overall, but a late interception turned out to be the game’s defining moment, likely influencing his decision to return for one more year.
Notre Dame picks off Drew Allar late in the fourth 😳 pic.twitter.com/F0SZvM5fFa
— ESPN (@espn) January 10, 2025
The Nittany Lions return a loaded roster in 2025, although Allar will be without two of his top weapons. Tight end Tyler Warren and linebacker Abdul Carter were both first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving sizable holes on both sides of the ball.
Still, help is on the way. The addition of new receiving talent and the rise of freshman tight end Luke Reynolds should give Allar his best supporting cast yet. With that firepower, Penn State is poised to chase a title once again, and Allar has a golden opportunity to climb 2026 draft boards.
With strong size, arm strength and tools that NFL scouts drool over, Allar could become one of the top quarterback prospects in a draft class brimming with talent. A big year in 2025 could set the stage for a storybook moment in Pittsburgh next April.
