The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books. The three-day event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has concluded, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have a new rookie class. Their next one will feel even more homegrown. The 2026 NFL Draft will set its sights on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
For only the second time in its history, which began in 1936, the Steel City will host the event. This will be the first modern one, the first coming in 1947 for the 1948 draft, held in the Fort Pitt Hotel. A completely different environment compared to the glitz and glam today. The first overall selection was picked from a hat, while Pittsburgh’s selections were cemented via coin flips. The NFL competed with the AAFC for draft rights to the top prospects, leading Pittsburgh to refuse to announce who they selected for fear of teams trying to poach their picks. The papers had to try to find out for themselves who the Steelers selected.
It’s safe to say much has changed since then. A marquee event only surpassed by the Super Bowl, next year’s draft could bring in upwards of one million fans to downtown Pittsburgh. This is a lofty goal, but given the city’s location in the middle of several other football towns (New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Buffalo), it’s fertile ground for draft fans to make the trip.
Though official locations haven’t been announced, the draft is expected to take place on the North Shore near Acrisure Stadium. With fans pouring into town throughout the week and plenty of pre-draft festivities scheduled, it’ll bring an economic windfall to local businesses. And as commissioner Roger Goodell outlined in an interview with WTAE’s Andrew Stockey, a chance for the city of Pittsburgh to shine on a national stage.
“I think the bigger impact is what it does to bring a community together,” Goodell said. “Unite them. And to really show off their community. And I know Pittsburghers are proud of that.”
After being rejected for their usual draft venue at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the NFL began taking the draft on the road in 2015. It took more than a decade for Pittsburgh to be selected, but Goodell knows the city well, studying at nearby Washington & Jefferson.
Goodell offered advice for how the city should prepare.
“I’ve always said to cities as they begin this journey. Make sure it’s yours. Make sure it reflects on your community. You put your spin on it. So what I would really want Pittsburghers to do is make it theirs.”
The city is already deep into its planning, with more information unveiled every few weeks.
Much can and will change, but who could be the top prospects of 2026? The quarterback class could be stronger than 2025’s, especially if Texas’ Arch Manning declares, although that is far from guaranteed. Ohio State S Caleb Downs figures to be one of the first defensive players taken, with plenty of offensive linemen expected to be early selections.
Pittsburgh is unlikely ever to host a Super Bowl. Even in the interview with Stockey, Goodell virtually said as much. Weather is a concern for an outdoor stadium, and he pointed to the increasingly short list of cities large enough to hold all the Super Bowl brings. Hosting the draft is the next best thing. In less than one year, Pittsburgh will get the chance.
