Steelers’ QB Draft Aspirations Diminish as Arch Manning and LaNoriss Sellers Opt for Another Year
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ search for their next franchise quarterback is facing significant setbacks. As the 2026 NFL Draft looms on the horizon, the excitement surrounding potential quarterback prospects has dwindled considerably. Initially, this NCAA season was expected to unveil a wealth of talent at the quarterback position, but now the landscape appears bleak for the Steelers.
Shifting Landscape for Quarterback Prospects
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the anticipation that once surrounded the available quarterbacks leaving college has turned into uncertainty. While Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and Oregon standout Dante Moore remain promising, the rest of the quarterback pool is riddled with concerns and inconsistent evaluations.
The Steelers have been monitoring several intriguing prospects, such as Ty Simpson from Alabama, John Mateer from Oklahoma, Duke’s Darian Mensah, and Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss. However, each of these players carries their own set of questions. Opinions on Simpson, for example, vary widely; some analysts consider him a can’t-miss player, while others liken him to former NFL quarterback Greg McElroy.
Key Prospects Choose to Return
In a further blow to the Steelers’ quarterback aspirations, one highly touted player has ruled himself out of the 2026 draft. Arch Manning, the University of Texas quarterback and part of a legendary football lineage, has announced his decision to return for another season. He is now projected to be a top selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, which eliminates him from Pittsburgh’s immediate plans.
The Steelers’ draft outlook took another hit recently when LaNoriss Sellers, once viewed as a potential number one overall pick, opted to stay in school for his junior year. After a challenging season, the South Carolina quarterback will look to improve his stock before entering the draft.
Uncertainty Ahead for the Steelers
With these developments, the path to finding a franchise quarterback has become increasingly fraught for the Steelers. As they prepare for the upcoming NFL season, the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback options is palpable. The organization must now reassess its strategy in a draft class that is rapidly losing its most promising talents. The focus will be on finding a diamond in the rough among the remaining candidates, but the pressure is mounting as the 2026 NFL Draft draws nearer.
