Penn State Quarterback Drew Allar Stays Close After Being Drafted No. 76 Overall By Pittsburgh Steelers In 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not a franchise known for hitting the panic button, but their quarterback room has been holding its breath lately. With Aaron Rodgers mulling over his NFL mortality on a seemingly weekly basis, the front office needed an insurance policy. They found one in Penn State Quarterback Drew Allar at 76th overall.

It is the classic draft-day dart throw. Allar is a fascinating prospect who brings a truckload of physical tools to the “Steel City,” but he also arrives with plenty of baggage.

The Steelers’ Draft Gamble: Is Allar the Future In Pittsburgh?

At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Allar looks like he was built in a quarterback laboratory. FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt once joked that the football gods turned this kid’s right arm into a thunderbolt. The arm talent is undeniable, drawing high-end comparisons to a young Joe Flacco. When you watch his tape from 2024, where he threw for over 3,300 yards and 24 touchdowns, you see a guy who can make every Sunday throw look effortless.

But then there is the 2025 season. He suffered a brutal broken ankle against Northwestern, cutting his senior campaign short after just six games. Beyond the injury, NFL scouts were already whispering about his lack of consistency. He has a habit of losing his mechanics under pressure, leading to costly interceptions in massive games against powerhouses like Notre Dame and Oregon.

Drafting Allar is a massive gamble for Pittsburgh. They are betting that their coaching staff can refine his raw, underdeveloped timing.

From Browns Fan To Steeler: Allar’s Journey To Pittsburgh

Here is where the story gets pretty funny. Allar grew up in Medina, Ohio. His family holds Cleveland Browns season tickets. You can practically hear the collective groan from his childhood living room when the Steelers called his name.

Switching allegiances in the AFC North is practically a cardinal sin, but Allar is taking it in stride. The 22-year-old quarterback has maintained a remarkably mature perspective since his ankle surgery. He recently noted that the time spent off his feet allowed him to dive deep into defensive schemes and NFL film. He truly believes his best football is still ahead of him, which is exactly the kind of emotional resilience Mike Tomlin loves in a young player.

Rodgers Or Allar: Who Will Lead the Steelers?

Right now, the Pittsburgh depth chart is a crowded, confusing place. Allar joins a quarterback room featuring veteran Mason Rudolph and last year’s sixth-round pick, Will Howard. Taking Allar in the third round sends a fairly loud message that the coaching staff does not view Howard as the long-term answer.

If Aaron Rodgers decides to suit up for 2026, Allar lands in the perfect situation. He gets a redshirt year to heal up, fix his footwork, and learn behind a future Hall of Famer. Some draft analysts handed this pick a C- grade, citing his accuracy issues. But if Allar can finally harness that massive frame and thunderbolt arm, the Steelers might have just stolen their franchise quarterback of the future.

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