​The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised fans by selecting Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving many to weigh the implications of this move. While it’s still early to judge the decision, there could be a lot to like about this pick. In the lead-up to the regular season, Steelers Wire will be breaking down every member of the roster, and here’s a closer look at Allar and what might lie ahead for his 2026 campaign.
Allar stands 6-foot-5 and weighs in at around 228 pounds, entering the league as a 22-year-old rookie. His NFL experience is, for now, limited to his college days, but the Steelers see him as a developmental quarterback with significant upside. In Week 1, the Steelers will face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, September 13, at 1:00 p.m. ET, a game that could set the tone for how the organization views Allar’s early progression.
Allar’s journey at Penn State showed moments of clear potential. Early on, he flashed the traits and poise that made him an appealing prospect, demonstrating the kind of arm talent and leadership that scouts covet. However, his college career was uneven, marred by injuries, inconsistent performances, and a support system that critics argued didn’t always maximize his development. Those factors ultimately complicated the narrative of his collegiate success and created questions about his readiness for the NFL game.
Entering the 2026 season, the Steelers have positioned Allar as a developmental quarterback who probably won’t be asked to contribute as a rookie. Given his draft slot, his spot on the 53-man roster is essentially secure for the time being, but he figures to be behind the current quarterbacks on the depth chart and in the backfield for 2026. The team has Aaron Rodgers on hand as a mentor, and Mike McCarthy’s expertise as a quarterback guru will be a critical factor in Allar’s growth. With coaching and guidance of that caliber, there’s a realistic path for Allar to make meaningful strides in his development while not forcing a stint as a rookie starter.
Beyond the 2026 season, Allar’s trajectory could become much more defined. If he continues to develop under Rodgers’s mentorship and McCarthy’s tutelage, a potential starting role could be in play in 2027. That said, he will still have to contend with veteran competition to secure the Steelers’ QB1 duties once Rodgers eventually hangs up his helmet. The competition won’t be limited to the future starter role alone; Howard and Mason Rudolph will also be in the mix as the Steelers determine the best long-term quarterback plan for the franchise.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the Steelers evaluate Allar’s development during the 2026 campaign. Are the early signs enough to suggest he can develop into a reliable starter down the line? Can he maximize the opportunity provided by a high-powered coaching staff and a patient NFL learning curve? Those questions will be answered over time, but the organization’s long-term bet on Allar reflects a belief that his ceiling is worth cultivating.
For ongoing Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves and roster evaluations, stay connected with Steelers Wire. Follow us on X @TheSteelersWire for timely updates, and be sure to like our Facebook page for additional insights and discussions. This overview on Allar was originally featured as part of Steelers Wire’s roster spotlight series, exploring where Drew Allar fits into Pittsburgh’s plans for the future.