Steelers Put 2025 Aside, Hunt for a Mahomes-Like QB to Chase the Super Bowl

PITTSBURGH, PA – As the 2025 NFL season winds down, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ front office and fan base are laser-focused on one question: Who will be the next franchise quarterback to lead the Black and Gold into a new era? With the 2026 NFL Draft looming, the “Steelers QB Dating Game” is in full swing, and several top college prospects have emerged as potential heirs to the quarterback throne in Pittsburgh.

According to Behind The Steel Curtain, the Steelers are closely evaluating a shortlist of promising QBs: Drew Allar (Penn State), Fernando Mendoza (California), Sawyer Robertson (Baylor), and Ryan Parish (Notre Dame). Each candidate brings a unique skill set, style, and personality to the table—making this one of the most intriguing quarterback competitions in recent franchise history.

Drew Allar has wowed scouts with his NFL-ready frame, arm talent, and football IQ. Seen as a classic pocket passer, he fits the mold of a traditional Steelers QB—strong, poised, and unflappable under pressure.

Fernando Mendoza stands out for his mobility, improvisational ability, and leadership. His knack for creating plays outside the pocket could bring a modern edge to Pittsburgh’s offense.

Sawyer Robertson is known for his deep-ball accuracy and toughness, drawing comparisons to some of the Steelers’ gritty QBs of the past.

Ryan Parish has climbed draft boards thanks to his consistency, quick decision-making, and calm demeanor, making him a dark horse candidate with high upside.

The decision facing General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin is monumental. With uncertainty around the current quarterback situation and mounting pressure from the AFC North rivals, the next draft pick could define the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.

“This is one of the deepest QB classes we’ve seen in a while, and all four of these guys could become starters in the NFL,” said an anonymous NFC scout quoted in the article. “For Pittsburgh, it’s not just about arm strength or athleticism. It’s about who can handle the pressure and represent the city’s blue-collar mentality.”

The Steelers have long prided themselves on stability at the quarterback position, with legendary figures like Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger anchoring the team for decades. However, recent seasons have exposed a pressing need for a new leader under center—a signal-caller who can reignite the franchise’s Super Bowl ambitions.

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh’s scouting department and their shortlist of potential QBs. Whether the team opts for the steady hand of Drew Allar, the dynamism of Fernando Mendoza, the grit of Sawyer Robertson, or the poise of Ryan Parish, one thing is certain: The search for the next Steelers franchise quarterback is on, and the future of the Black and Gold hangs in the balance.