2026 Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Preview

Pittsburgh enters a new era in 2026 as Mike McCarthy takes over for Mike Tomlin after 19 seasons, reuniting with Aaron Rodgers in pursuit of a 20th consecutive winning season. The Steelers won the AFC North at 10-8 despite finishing in the bottom third of the league on both offense and defense, leaning on a plus-12 turnover margin and a stout red-zone defense to stay in games. With Michael Pittman Jr. added opposite DK Metcalf and the offensive line returning intact, Leo Haggerty projects a 9-8 finish and a return to the postseason if both units can make even moderate gains, and breaks down a rookie class that adds depth in the trenches, the secondary, and the return game.

Team Snapshot

Conference: AFC North

Head Coach: Mike McCarthy

2025 Record: 10-8

Key Games: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Baltimore, Houston

Season Outlook

After 19 seasons calling the shots in the Steel City, Mike Tomlin has transitioned from the sidelines to the broadcast booth. New head coach Mike McCarthy now takes over with a chance to deliver Pittsburgh a 20th consecutive winning season.

McCarthy will be reunited with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and the two will try to push the Black & Gold out of the statistical bottom half of the league on offense. Pittsburgh finished 25th in total offense a year ago, so even a move toward the middle of the pack would represent meaningful progress. Adding wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. opposite DK Metcalf should help, and the offensive line returns intact.

The defense faces a similar challenge. Pittsburgh finished 26th in total defense in 2025, but the unit repeatedly tightened up when opponents reached the red zone. That bend-but-don’t-break approach helped keep games within reach, while takeaways played a major role in the Steelers’ success. The question is whether that formula can be repeated while the unit improves between the 20s.

Special teams remain a strength because Chris Boswell is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history and a legitimate weapon from midfield and beyond. If both the offense and defense can make even moderate statistical gains, the Steelers are a good bet to return to the postseason. Whether they can finally turn that appearance into a deep January run is the bigger question.

2026 Prediction: Projected Record: 9-8

When fans look at Pittsburgh’s 2025 numbers, it’s fair to wonder how the Steelers won 10 games and captured the AFC North. They finished 25th in total offense at 305.6 yards per game and 26th in total defense at 356.9 yards per game.

What bailed out the team was their ability to create turnovers. Pittsburgh forced 27 takeaways and posted a plus-12 turnover differential, with both marks ranking fourth in the NFL. That gave the Steelers extra possessions and helped cover for deficiencies on both sides of the football.

McCarthy will take personal control of the offense, where his long history with Rodgers should make the transition easier. Pittman joins Metcalf in the wide receiver room, and continuity up front gives Pittsburgh a chance to be more efficient immediately.

Defensively, the Steelers were willing to give up yards until opponents reached the 20-yard line. That’s when the Steel Curtain reemerged, with Pittsburgh posting the fifth-best red-zone defense in the NFL. If both units improve and the turnover margin remains favorable, look for the Steelers to return to postseason play.

Rookie Prospects

Max Iheanachor, OT, 6’6”, 321 lbs., Arizona State

Iheanachor came from Nigeria and began his career at the JUCO level before becoming a Sun Devil. He has excellent length, agility, and balance for his size, giving him all the physical tools to develop into an NFL tackle. His Senior Bowl performance turned heads, although holding penalties remain a concern. With continued technique work, he could compete for playing time early.

Germie Bernard, WR, 6’1”, 206 lbs., Alabama

Bernard was one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season for the Crimson Tide. He began his career at Michigan State and Washington before settling in Tuscaloosa, and his versatility stands out. Bernard plays big in big games, shows good explosion and breakaway speed, and has above-average hands. He could see the field early in three- and four-receiver sets.

Drew Allar, QB, 6’5”, 228 lbs., Penn State

Allar suffered a major injury that derailed his final season in Happy Valley, but he checks the boxes for size, arm strength, and experience in high-leverage games. His big arm got the attention of Steelers scouts. He can be more mechanical than natural at times and has a tendency to force situations, so 2026 could serve as a developmental year while he learns the pro game.

Daylen Everette, CB, 6’1”, 196 lbs., Georgia

Everette has good size, solid agility, and plays hard, although he isn’t at the same level as some of the recent cornerback prospects to come out of Athens. He can be susceptible to double moves and will need to establish himself on special teams. Still, he has a chance to see action in the slot and in nickel or dime packages.

Gennings Dunker, OL, 6’5”, 319 lbs., Iowa

Dunker looks like the prototype of an Iowa offensive lineman: big, strong, consistent, and technically sound enough to earn All-Big Ten honors. He is much better playing downhill in the run game than anchoring in pass protection. His versatility gives him a chance to play either tackle or guard at the next level.

Kaden Wetjen, WR, 5’9”, 193 lbs., Iowa

Wetjen is an elite returner who took both a kickoff and a punt to the house last season. Pittsburgh will start him out as a return specialist, and he also posted both a rushing and receiving touchdown. Because of his size, expect many of his offensive snaps to come from the slot.

Riley Nowakowski, TE, 6’2”, 250 lbs., Indiana

Nowakowski was a key contributor during Indiana’s national championship run. He may be better suited as an H-back or even a fullback than as a traditional tight end. He has excellent ball security, decent elusiveness, and average speed. He is also a willing blocker, although he won’t overpower larger defensive linemen.

Gabriel Rubio, DL, 6’5”, 321 lbs., Notre Dame

Rubio didn’t play a huge volume of snaps in South Bend, but he checks the physical boxes for an NFL defensive lineman. He projects as a run-stopper and will need to stand out in training camp because Pittsburgh’s defensive line room is crowded. A practice-squad role could be his initial path while he continues to develop.

Robert Spears-Jennings, S, 6’1”, 205 lbs., Oklahoma

A native Oklahoman from a military family, Spears-Jennings brings unquestioned dedication and leadership. His elite speed—clocked at 4.32—showed up at the Combine and again at Oklahoma’s pro day. His aggressiveness can work against him when he overruns plays, but he plays with a linebacker mentality and looks like a natural fit on kick and punt coverage units.

Eli Heidenreich, RB, 6’0”, 198 lbs., Navy

Heidenreich grew up in Pittsburgh and was a high-level performer at Navy. He is extremely intelligent, has strong leadership traits, and catches the football well. He also brings experience as an explosive kick returner, slot receiver, wide receiver, and running back. His best ability is his versatility, which should give him multiple ways to earn a roster spot.