Pittsburgh Steelers and HC Mike Tomlin finally found their long term answer at quarterback in latest 2026 NFL mock draft 

The Pittsburgh Steelers find their franchise quarterback… finally

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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After having Ben Roethlisberger leading the Pittsburgh Steelers offense for the better part of 18 years, the organization has struggled to find an answer at the quarterback position since. We have seen Kenny Pickett, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields all get a shot to seize the starting spot. Now it will be the Aaron Rodgers show in 2025 before he drifts off into the sunset. 

Even if Rodgers is masterful this upcoming season, he won’t be the long-term answer due to his age. In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft at A to Z Sports, Joe DeLeone and myself did our best to find the long-term quarterback answer for the Steelers. With the No. 16 overall selection, I had them select Arizona State signal caller Sam Leavitt. 

Here is what I wrote about Leavitt, and his potential fit in Pittsburgh. 

16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State 

There is always going to be a wildcard at quarterback that ends up going earlier than many people believe. That could be Leavitt this year, who has some of the highest highs of any quarterback in this class. If the game can begin slowing down a bit more for him this season, Leavitt has a chance to be very good. The upside is very easy to see. – Roberts

After beginning his career at Michigan State for a lone season, Leavitt opted to transfer to the Sun Devils prior to the 2024 college football season. The 6-3, 215-pound showed a lot of promise during his first year as a starter, throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Leavitt also rushed for another 443 yards and five scores on the ground. 

From a pure talent perspective, there is a lot to like about Leavitt. He fits all the thresholds you would want at the quarterback position, including size, arm strength, and athleticism. Leavitt is a natural playmaker with the football in his hands, making some real magic happen outside of structure. Of all the quarterbacks eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, there is a very strong argument that Leavitt possesses some of the best combination of skills. The talent is easy to see. 

With another season of starting experience ahead of him, most expect Leavitt to take a substantial step forward. That is especially true with running back Cameron Skattebo off to the NFL. The Leavitt to Jordyn Tyson connection will be depended on at a much higher level heading into 2025. This Arizona State offense will need Leavitt to step up his game, and if he does, he has a chance to be outstanding. 

The one question will be just how ready Leavitt will be to play early on in his NFL career. He is still only 20 years old, so providing him with a track or development could be important. Leavitt is a bet on upside and potential, something that the Steelers should invest in for head coach Mike Tomlin to get this team back to being a legitimate championship contender.

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