The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of training camp and focused on the Super Bowl but work on the draft never stops. While the 2026 NFL Draft is still far away, front offices are always scouting prospects. The college football season is approaching fast, too.
On Monday, Arizona State University reporter Brad Denny confirmed on Twitter that the Steelers are one of several NFL teams with scouts at the team’s practice.
The list also includes but isn’t limited to the Buffalo Bills, an AFC powerhouse, and two other AFC North teams in the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. As Chris Karpman, a reporter who covers the team, noted, there are 11 scouts representing 10 teams in attendance. That speaks to how much talent Arizona State’s squad has.
The Sun Devils also have a familiar face for the Steelers on their coaching staff. Former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward joined Arizona State last year as its receivers coach. Therefore, the Steelers already have a connection in that building.
Arizona State’s quarterback might be the player that the Steelers are most interested in, though. Sam Leavitt started his collegiate career in 2023 at Michigan State before transferring to Arizona State. In 2024 , started 13 games for the Sun Devils and really broke out. Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions.
He was a big part of Arizona State’s success, helping the team finish 11-3 and make a run at the national championship. Earlier this year, Ward compared Leavitt to Ben Roethlisberger. Once upon a time, Ward watched a young Roethlisberger instantly elevate his team, and he sees similarities in Leavitt.
This year, Leavitt has a chance to boost his stock even more before potentially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, he isn’t the only talented draft-eligible player on Arizona State’s roster.
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson also experienced a great 2024 season. He posted 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Steelers also have a big need at receiver, so perhaps they could look to target Tyson in next year’s draft.
Arizona State’s roster also includes other draft-eligible players like defensive lineman C.J. Fite, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, and defensive back Xavion Alford. The Sun Devils have a lot of talented players, and the Steelers are already doing their due diligence on them. Perhaps one or more of them will end up playing for the Steelers one day. Pittsburgh has plenty of draft picks to play with in 2026.
