Respected Steelers Pundit Is Putting His Money On Will Howard Starting Week 1 Of 2026 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has been a mess since the day Ben Roethlisberger retired ahead of the 2022 NFL season after 18 seasons with the team. The Steelers drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett from Pitt with hopes that the hometown kid could become the face of the franchise. However, after two seasons, that experiment flamed out, leaving the team searching for stability under center. Since Roethlisberger’s departure, the Steelers have seen a string of struggling quarterbacks come through Pittsburgh while they try to identify their long-term solution.

In the 2025 season, the Steelers brought in veteran Aaron Rodgers and drafted rookie quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Rodgers, now 42 years old, provides short-term experience, but many expect the team to prioritize a younger quarterback once the 2025 season concludes. Meanwhile, Howard, a late-round pick, represents the potential for the future, though he will have to compete for playing time and prove he can handle the pressure of starting in Pittsburgh. The combination of a veteran presence and a developmental prospect keeps the Steelers’ quarterback situation both intriguing and uncertain.

Amid all the speculation about the 2026 season, Steelers media personality Bob Pompeani made headlines on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday when he admitted he is putting his money on Howard being the Week 1 starter. Pompeani’s confidence signals that some insiders believe the team is ready to give the rookie a real opportunity to lead. As the Steelers continue to search for long-term stability at the position, all eyes will be on how Howard develops and whether he can finally give Pittsburgh the quarterback the franchise has been seeking since Roethlisberger’s retirement.

"Will Howard," Pompeani said while answering the question about who he would put his money on to start Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. "That's where my money is going... I mean you were playing the game and you have Joe Flacco. What am I supposed to do? What kind of question is that?"

Pompeani’s response isn’t exactly a full-blown prediction that he believes Howard should be the Week 1 starter. However, based on all the information he has at this time, that was the answer he chose because, in his eyes, it makes the most sense. There has been some speculation that Rodgers could attempt a comeback for the 2026 season, but at 42 years old and considering how he has looked of late, it seems unlikely the Steelers would run things back with him unless there is a dramatic turnaround very quickly.

In fact, many wonder if Head Coach Mike Tomlin might actually be on his way out of the Steel City after another struggling season. There are still a lot of questions that will get answered as the 2025 season continues. 

However, if nothing changes, don’t be shocked to see the Steelers do some house cleaning after the season. Or maybe they won’t, because it is hard to truly tell which direction this organization is going.

Steelers Quarterback Spot Heating Up For 2026 Season

Many fans believe that nothing really matters until the franchise figures out the quarterback situation. Howard is a long shot, but for now, he is their best option in terms of a possible future. 

Mason Rudolph isn't the answer. Of course, the Steelers could also try to find a star quarterback in the 2026 draft, which will be hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time ever.

Who do you expect the Steelers to start in Week 1 of the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments below! Feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I’ll respond!

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