One of the biggest questions of Penn State’s draft class has been answered.
After much speculation about where he would land, quarterback Drew Allar was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 76 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday night. Allar became the first Nittany Lion quarterback selected since Sean Clifford went in the fifth round in 2023 and the highest drafted since Christian Hackenberg was taken No. 51 overall in 2016.
Following a controversial four seasons at Penn State, including 2.5 as the starting quarterback, Allar left as one of the most statistically accomplished gunslingers in program history, sitting in the top five for career completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage. The former five-star recruit mounted 26 wins as a starter but consistently came up short in big moments, causing some concern.
Despite holding high draft projections last offseason, Allar opted to return for his senior year and chase a national championship. After a mediocre first six games, including just a 3-3 record, Allar was tackled and sustained a broken ankle late in the fourth quarter of a loss to Northwestern, ending his final season abruptly.
Still, Allar’s large frame, big arm and high ceiling made him an intriguing prospect Pittsburgh couldn’t pass up on. The pick was announced by former Nittany Lion cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who currently plays for Pittsburgh. Additionally, he joins safety Jaquan Brisker, tight end Pat Freiermuth and cornerback Daequan Hardy with the Steelers.
