Steelers Draft Penn State QB Drew Allar in 2026 NFL’s 3rd Round
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a strategic move by selecting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Allar’s selection wraps up his collegiate career, which featured notable highs and lows.
Drew Allar’s Collegiate Journey
Allar entered Penn State as a highly-touted five-star recruit from Medina, Ohio. Originally a Cleveland Browns fan, he transitioned from the Buckeye State to Happy Valley, where he initially served as a backup to Sean Clifford in 2022. In 2023, he competed for the starting quarterback position and ultimately outperformed Beau Pribula.
Early Success and Injuries
His sophomore season began impressively as he set an FBS record by throwing 311 passes before his first interception, earning himself an honorable mention for All-Big Ten honors. However, the 2025 season took a disappointing turn when Allar suffered a broken ankle during a close game against Northwestern. This injury disrupted both his season and the program’s prospects.
Final Season Performance
Despite setbacks, Allar rebounded in 2024, delivering a standout performance that featured:
- 3,327 passing yards
- 24 touchdowns against 8 interceptions
- 302 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns
His efforts helped Penn State progress to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
Career Statistics and Draft Profile
Throughout his collegiate career, Allar tallied impressive statistics:
- 5,958 passing yards
- 49 touchdowns
- Fewer than 15 interceptions over 1,000 career passes
While these numbers reflect a solid performance, Allar’s inconsistency in critical moments contributed to a mixed draft profile, which had projected him for Day 3 selections. Instead, he was chosen on Day 2, making him the fourth quarterback selected in the draft.
The Future for Pittsburgh
Allar’s addition to the Steelers’ roster raises questions about the team’s current quarterback situation. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he develops within Pittsburgh’s system. As he transitions to the professional level, anticipation grows over his potential impact on the franchise.
