The Pittsburgh Steelers watched as their highly-paid defense got shredded by their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens, in the Wild Card playoff game last season. It marked another disappointing end to a campaign that had started with promise, but fell short when it mattered most. Head Coach Mike Tomlin hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and the weight of those missed opportunities is something he feels every year. Eager to turn things around, Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office went all-in on improving the roster across the board ahead of the 2025 season.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
One of the team’s biggest offseason finds came in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with defensive lineman Yahya Black out of Iowa. Despite being a rookie, Black has already turned heads during training camp and the preseason with his physicality, motor, and instinctive play. With the recent injury to Derrick Harmon, the depth of the Steelers’ defensive line has become an immediate talking point, putting even more pressure and attention on Black to perform.
On Thursday, Black spoke to Steelers media about his upcoming NFL regular season debut. He shared his mindset as a rookie stepping into a high-pressure role, emphasizing preparation, focus, and the desire to contribute right away. Steelers fans are eager to see how this fifth-round steal will help anchor the defensive line and whether he can be part of the answer to reviving a unit that struggled at the most crucial time last season.
"To be honest with you, probably on game day a little more butterflies, but right now, it is just practice and get it right," Black said. "It starts up front and we just want to show dominance and that we are here."
Black already sounds like a true veteran, and his recent jersey number change has excited Steelers fans, who believe he’s added a little swagger wearing his new No. 94.
Iowa Gazette
Steelers' Yahya Black during his time with Iowa in college.
He flew under the radar in the draft, but if he continues to develop, he could become a star on this defensive line for years to come. One thing Black doesn’t lack is confidence in his ability to impact the game, even in his very first regular-season appearance.
"I got to show a little bit of my skill set and really just starting to work on my craft," Black said. "I had the confidence. I mean I was brought in for a reason and confidence is there. You can’t let it lack."
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Shares Plan To Replace Injured Derrick Harmon
With the injury to Harmon, Tomlin stated he will use a committee approach, and Black is certain to be part of that group. Other players Tomlin and the coaching staff will likely rely on include Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale, Esezi Otomewo, and second-year player Logan Lee.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Derrick Harmon (99) and Yahya Black (78) during rookie minicamp in 2025.
Getting Harmon back to full health will be a huge boost for this defense, but for now, Black and the committee approach will have to hold up at MetLife Stadium in Week 1 against the New York Jets.
Yahya Black is a (very) big example of why coaching matters. This was not in his repertoire when you watched college tape. But 4 weeks with Karl Dunbar and dude’s push-pulling OGs and earning quick pressures and finishing with sacks! 👀pic.twitter.com/rmUuQufLsN
— Jeremy Betz (@thebetz93) August 29, 2025
Black impressed in the preseason, and he looks to carry that momentum into the regular season. Now, the stakes are real. The Steelers are heading into what could be the most polarizing season in decades, and Black’s NFL debut is shaping up to be an exciting moment for fans.
What are you expecting from Yahya Black in Week 1 against the New York Jets? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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