The long-term plan for the Pittsburgh Steelers at quarterback appeared clear this past spring. The Steelers were going to try and compete during 2025 with Aaron Rodgers behind center. After that, in all likelihood, the team would then turn its attention to a long-term solution with the 2026 QB class.
That initially made a lot of sense. During the spring, draft pundits argued the 2026 quarterback class was stronger than what was available behind center in 2025.
However, early this season, pundits have begun to wonder if that will actually be the case at draft time next spring.
The 33rd Team’s Steve Palazzolo argued during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh on Thursday that the 2026 QB class has been very underwhelming to begin this season.
“I know this happens every year. ‘Wait ’till next year, there’s seven first rounders.’ And then the football games happen, and it’s not the case,” said Palazzolo, via Steelers Depot.
“Arch Manning obviously looks awful, probably going back to Texas. LaNorris Sellers, great runner, still needs to polish up his game as a thrower. He might be going back to South Carolina, and he’s banged up.
“Garrett Nussmeier hasn’t looked good at all. John Mateer is interesting. [Fernando] Mendoza is off to a good start. We’ll see this week against Illinois.”
Steelers’ Plan for 2026 QB Class?
With nearly the entire 2025 season still remaining, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to the 2026 draft. That’s the case because of what’s left with the NFL and college campaigns.
But it makes a lot of sense for the Steelers to be in the first-round quarterback market. Rodgers has previously indicated 2025 will be his final season. Furthermore, the 2026 draft is in Pittsburgh. There isn’t a better storybook beginning to a quarterback’s career than the local team selecting him in front of the home crowd.
Pittsburgh, though, hasn’t held a first-round pick in the top half of the round before a trade since 2014. Assuming that’s the case again in 2026, Steelers could trade up but likely not all the way to the top of the draft board.
So, in all likelihood, they need the 2026 QB class to be deep to have a realistic shot at a highly regarded quarterback prospect.
The 2026 class looked deep before the season. But after three weeks of the college season, the QB returns have been poor for any franchise that’s going to be in the quarterback market next draft.
“It’s still early in the college season with plenty of time for the top prospects to turn things around, but the early returns aren’t good,” wrote Steelers Depot’s Ross McCorkle.
Could Oklahoma QB John Mateer Be Answer for Steelers?
If there’s any good news for the Steelers, not every projected top quarterback prospect has performed poorly.
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has averaged 314.7 passing yards per game and 9 yards per attempt this season. He also has five touchdowns and three interceptions.
On the ground, Mateer has averaged 4.9 yards per carry and reached the end zone four times.
Before the season began on August 27, CBS Sports’ Mike Renner predicted Mateer to land with the Steelers in a 2026 NFL mock draft.
That projection and Mateer’s performance make the Oklahoma quarterback one to watch for Steelers fans the rest of the year. But whether he will be available when Pittsburgh has an opportunity to draft remains the biggest question.
The Steelers stockpiled draft picks for 2026 this offseason. Thanks to trades and compensatory selections, the team currently holds nine picks in rounds 3-6.
Those picks could help the Steelers move up for a quarterback like Mateer. In Renner’s mock, the team landed the Oklahoma signal-caller at No. 13 overall.
But if his stock continues to rise, Mateer could become a top 10 or even top 5 selection. Again, for the Steelers to get a quality quarterback after the top 10 (assuming they aren’t picking in the top 10), it’s going to take a deep quarterback class.
While it’s only been three weeks, there’s legitimate concerns the 2026 QB class won’t be that much deeper than 2025.
