Everything You Absolutely Need To Know About Steelers Training Camp 2026: Day 1

It's that time of year again when Pittsburgh Steelers fans from all over the world make their respective ways to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. The team is back for 2026 training camp, and there are plenty of headlines that unfolded on Day 1 alone. SteelerNation.com had a front row seat, and here's everything you need to know about the first day under new head coach Mike McCarthy. 

Day 1 brought a fresh feeling in the air, with plenty of staff members, as well as players, making their Black and Gold debuts. There were a few new drills, and the pace between plays was much quicker than in previous years, but it was certain individual players that stole the show. 

1. Asante Samuel Jr. Shines

With Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, and Donte Kent all recently placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the path was paved for other cornerbacks to step up on Wednesday. Jamel Dean served as the team's CB1 for the day, but it was Asante Samuel Jr. that had the crowd cheering. 

He had two massive pass breakups with the first-team unit opposite of Dean, and his playmaking was a constant spark for the defense overall. Samuel will certainly be fighting for playing time during the regular season with rookie Daylen Everette, but if he continues to play like he did on Wednesday, the coaching staff will have no choice but to continue to leave Samuel on the field.

Brandin Echols also deserves an honorable mention from the cornerbacks today as he intercepted Aaron Rodgers in the end zone during the two-minute drill toward the end of practice. The ball was deflected and Echols came down with it for a touchback.

2. Brandon Smith Was Turning Heads

Former New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Smith was the surprise standout on offense. He had several big catches throughout the day, including a deep back shoulder fade along the sideline. 

Originally out of Iowa, Smith also spent time with the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and the Arizona Cardinals. He's only played in three total professional games since 2024, but he's certainly made his case early for a final spot on the team's wide receiver depth chart heading into the regular season.

Rodgers and Roman Wilson also connected several times throughout the day, which is another great sign for a young receiver room. Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Germie Bernard were extremely quiet as practice progressed, but their snaps and impact are sure to pick up. DK Metcalf was involved often and appeared to already be in excellent midseason form.

Steelers' Quarterback Room Already Taking Shape

As Rodgers continued to work with the first-team offense, it was the veteran Mason Rudolph that took the majority of the QB2 reps. He didn't have any touchdowns on the day (or interceptions), but he looked poised in the pocket, was accurate, and appeared in command of the offense the entire time he was under center. 

Will Howard followed and, much like last offseason before his hand injury, was smart with the football, taking what the defense was giving him. It was clear Howard was also comfortable with the plays he was being asked to run. 

It was 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar that had the up-and-down first day. A pass fell incomplete early during walk-throughs with no defense, and he threw an interception later in practice that landed in the hands of linebacker Payton Wilson off a deflection. 

Allar did show some promise on other passes however, as he connected with Max Hurleman on a deep shot down the seam, beating rookie safety Robert Spears-Jennings for a huge gain. He also found tight end Robert Tonyan for a touchdown on the last play to end practice, which was a good note to go out on. There was a lot to like, and hopefully the early miscues can be chalked up to rookie nerves. 

Overall, it was a promising first day with a lot to build off of. Fans should expect the rookie class to continue to get more involved, and position battles to continue to heat up.

What do yinz think? Are you surprised by any of the names above? Follow @BWall on X for more daily training camp tweets, and be sure to subscribe to YouTube.com/@BWallToTheBurgh for daily video summaries!

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