Steelers Draft Penn State QB Drew Allar in 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers shook things up in the 2026 NFL Draft, grabbing Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round with the 76th pick. That move instantly added some real intrigue to their quarterback situation, which already featured second-year guy Will Howard and the veteran Mason Rudolph.

And let’s be honest, with Aaron Rodgers’ future still kind of a mystery, Allar’s arrival hints at a possible changing of the guard. The Steelers’ QB room just got a lot more interesting, and fans are buzzing about what comes next.

The Steelers’ Quarterback Room: A New Addition

Allar’s selection definitely got people talking. Joey Porter Jr.—his old college teammate—actually announced the pick, which just ramped up the excitement among Steelers fans.

So, who’s in the mix now?

• Will Howard: Second-year QB with some real upside.
• Mason Rudolph: The steady veteran, always reliable.

But the big question mark is Aaron Rodgers. The team seems hopeful he’ll return, but nobody can say for sure if he’s coming back or calling it a career. That’s why drafting Allar feels like a smart hedge—maybe even a glimpse at the future.

Allar’s Collegiate Career: A Rollercoaster Journey

Drew Allar’s path to the NFL hasn’t exactly been smooth. The guy was a five-star recruit from Medina, Ohio, and made a splash by picking Penn State over a bunch of other big schools.

He sat behind Sean Clifford as a freshman, then took over in 2023. That year, he set an FBS record by throwing 311 passes before his first interception. Not too shabby, right?

By 2024, Allar was rolling. He threw for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just eight picks. He could move, too—over 300 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Penn State even made the College Football Playoff semifinals, and Allar looked every bit the top prospect scouts thought he’d be.

The Turning Point: Injury and Its Aftermath

But then came 2025, and things went sideways. Allar broke his ankle in a tight loss to Northwestern, ending his season on the spot.

Penn State stumbled without him, and head coach James Franklin lost his job. That injury really tanked Allar’s draft stock, dropping him from first-round hype to a third-round reality.

Allar’s Draft Profile: Strengths and Weaknesses

At 6-foot-5, Allar looks the part of an NFL quarterback. He’s got a cannon for an arm and hardly ever turns the ball over.

Across two full seasons, he piled up 5,958 yards and 49 touchdowns, and somehow kept his interception total under 15 on over 1,000 attempts. Only two other FBS players have ever done that.

Still, he’s had some issues with consistency, especially when the pressure’s on. That’s probably why he slid down draft boards, even though he ended up going on Day 2 as the fourth QB taken.

The guys picked ahead of him? Fernando Mendoza (Raiders, No. 1 overall), Ty Simpson (Rams, No. 13), and Carson Beck (Cardinals, No. 65).

What This Means for the Steelers

Bringing Allar into the fold changes the whole vibe of the Steelers’ quarterback group. With Rodgers’ status still up in the air, Allar gives them a possible long-term answer.

He probably won’t start right away in 2026, but you can bet Steelers fans—and honestly, the whole league—will be watching his progress closely.

Potential Trades and Future Outlook

There’s even talk, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, that the Steelers could be looking to trade Mason Rudolph. That would really shake things up.

If Rodgers retires, Pittsburgh will be leaning hard on their young QBs, and Allar’s growth becomes even more important. Will Howard seems like the early favorite to start, with Allar likely learning from the bench for now.

But give it time—if Allar can iron out those consistency issues, he might just take the reins as the franchise guy down the road.

A New Era for the Steelers?

The Steelers made a bold move in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by picking Drew Allar. It’s a moment that could shift things for Pittsburgh, especially with Aaron Rodgers’ future still hanging in the balance.

Allar’s college career had its ups and downs, but it’s shaped him for whatever the NFL might throw his way. There’s no guarantee he’ll be the answer, but he brings hope for the team’s long-term quarterback plans.

Curious about Allar’s draft journey or want to dig deeper into what this means for the Steelers? Check out the full article here.