Regardless of whether or not the Pittsburgh Steelers sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers at some point this offseason, quarterback will be a top priority in the 2026 NFL draft. With all due respect to rookie Will Howard, selecting him in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft will not preclude Pittsburgh from spending a top pick next year.
With the college football season just a couple of months away, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite prospects who should be in the mix for the Steelers in the first round of the next draft. This list isn’t in any particular order, and it’s for is to simply to give fans a list of players to keep an eye on during the college football season.
Arch Manning – Texas
Manning declaring as a redshirt sophomore seems unlikely with the millions he’s making in NIL money, but we can’t wait to see how much he’s developed heading into his first season as a full-time starter.
Cade Klubnik – Clemson
Klubnik is a prototypical modern NFL quarterback with excellent mobility and pocket poise, which are enticing.
Garrett Nussmeier – LSU
People forget that Nussmeier was in the conversation to be a first-round pick last year and if he continues to develop, he will be right back there.
LaNorris Sellers – South Carolina
Raw passer but a freakish athlete and an incredibly high ceiling.
Drew Allar – Penn State
Local hero that Steelers fan know well. He’s a polished passer, great poise and high football IQ.
Nico Iamaleava – UCLA
Tall, athletic thrower with an effortless arm on short and intermediate throws and a calm in the pocket.
Carson Beck – Miami
After a collapse in 2024 sent him to Miami instead of the NFL, Beck is hoping to pick up where Cam Ward left off.
Sam Leavitt – Arizona State
Exciting player who makes up for a lack of ideal size with a zippy arm and natural skills on the move.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Steelers quarterback watch list
