Key Takeaways
- The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the 2026 NFL Draft, but analysts view him as a short‑term fix rather than a long‑term franchise answer.
- USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst‑Schwartz projects the Steelers will target Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
- Sorsby fits Pittsburgh’s prototype for an AFC North quarterback: 6‑3, 235 lb, strong arm, capable of playing in adverse weather and adding yards as a runner.
- After a productive 2024 season at Cincinnati (2,813 yds, 18 TD, 7 INT) and a transfer to Texas Tech, Sorsby aims to lift his draft stock with another year of development.
- His collegiate path includes stops at Indiana, Cincinnati, and now Texas Tech, reflecting a willingness to seek the best environment for growth.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent draft activity has sparked discussion about the franchise’s quarterback trajectory. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh used a selection on Penn State signal‑caller Drew Allar, a move that satisfied the organization’s immediate need for depth behind veteran starter Aaron Rodgers. However, prominent NFL analyst Michael Middlehurst‑Schwartz of USA Today cautioned that Allar, while possessing the prototypical size and arm strength the Steelers favor, is unlikely to become the long‑term answer at quarterback. Middlehurst‑Schwartz wrote that the Steelers’ general manager, Omar Khan, consistently gravitates toward “sturdy and strong‑armed passers built to weather the elements in the AFC North,” a description that fits Allar but also suggests Pittsburgh may still be searching for a more durable, franchise‑calibre leader.
Looking ahead, Middlehurst‑Schwartz predicts that the Steelers will address that need in the 2027 NFL Draft by selecting Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby with the No. 13 overall pick. The projection rests on several factors that align with Pittsburgh’s historical quarterback preferences. Sorsby, a Dallas native, measures 6‑foot‑3 and weighs 235 pounds—exactly the physical profile the Steelers have prized in recent years. His ability to push the ball downfield, combined with a willingness to absorb hits and gain yards as a runner, makes him well‑suited for the often‑brutal weather and physical style of play characteristic of the AFC North. When his mechanics are on point, Sorsby can resemble a top‑five prospect; the challenge for him, according to Middlehurst‑Schwartz, lies in achieving greater consistency over a full season.
Sorsby’s collegiate résumé already showcases the type of production that could entice an NFL team looking for a developmental quarterback with upside. In the 2024 season, while playing for the Cincinnati Bearcats, he accumulated 2,813 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. Those numbers earned him recognition as one of the rising prospects in the 2026 draft class, highlighted further by a Big 12‑leading 13.5 yards‑per‑completion average—a testament to his deep‑ball ability and efficiency. Despite those strong statistics, Sorsby elected to return to college for another year, entering the NCAA transfer portal after his stint at Cincinnati. He ultimately landed at Texas Tech, where he hopes to refine his mechanics, improve decision‑making under pressure, and enhance his overall consistency before re‑entering the draft pool.
The quarterback’s journey has been marked by several transfers, underlining his pursuit of the optimal development environment. After initially committing to Indiana—choosing the Hoosiers over various Group of Five and FCS offers—Sorsby saw limited action as a true freshman, then made seven starts in 2023. When head coach Tom Allen was dismissed at the end of that season, he entered the transfer portal once more. His subsequent move to Cincinnati proved fruitful; he stepped into a starting role and thrived, posting the solid statistical line that caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Now, with another year at Texas Tech, Sorsby aims to iron out the inconsistencies that have occasionally kept him from being viewed as a can’t‑miss prospect.
From the Steelers’ perspective, targeting a player like Sorsby fits a broader strategy of building a quarterback roster that can endure the rigors of the AFC North while providing a potential successor to the aging Rodgers. The team’s historical affinity for quarterbacks who can both throw effectively and contribute as runners—think of past Steelers signal‑callers who have been asked to move the pocket and pick up yards on designed runs—makes Sorsby an intriguing fit. Should he develop into a more reliable passer during his lone season at Texas Tech, his draft stock could rise sufficiently to justify a first‑round selection, giving Pittsburgh a young, cost‑controlled option to groom behind Rodgers or to assume the mantle should the veteran decide to retire.
In summary, the Steelers’ recent draft pick of Drew Allar addresses immediate depth but does not satisfy the franchise’s long‑term quarterback need, according to industry analysts. Michael Middlehurst‑Schwartz foresees Pittsburgh turning to Brendan Sorsby in the 2027 draft, citing his prototypical size, arm talent, dual‑threat capability, and experience navigating the transfer portal as qualities that align with Pittsburgh’s ideal quarterback profile. If Sorsby can sharpen his consistency and decision‑making during his upcoming season at Texas Tech, he may very well become the Steelers’ next franchise‑cornerstone signal‑candidate.