The Pittsburgh Steelers took a big risk when selecting offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Iheanachor was viewed as an underdeveloped, project-type player who would require time to learn before being ready to start games in the league. Through five weeks of the 2026 season, he has put that narrative to rest, starting three straight games for Pittsburgh and looking like the type of player the organization did not expect to have until he had time to develop. Iheanachor might be the real deal.
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Max Iheanachor runs out of the tunnel prior to his first ever NFL start.
The Nigerian native did not move to the United States until he was 13 years old. He began playing American football in 2021 while attending East Los Angeles College, a JUCO program. He received multiple FBS college offers during his time in JUCO and ended up committing to Arizona State University. As a Sun Devil, Iheanachor started 31 games and earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors in 2025 while allowing zero sacks. Pittsburgh saw the raw talent and athleticism in Iheanachor and decided to take its shot.
While Iheanachor seemed like he was going to need some time before being ready for the pros, he has caught on extremely fast. He has been a monster in the run game, paving the way for what could be a career year for running back Jaylen Warren. In pass protection, he has held his own while learning and improving each week. His play through just three games gives Steelers fans a lot to be excited about, as Iheanachor looks like he very well could become the team's next cornerstone offensive tackle.
Although Iheanachor entered the league with very raw technique, he has made up for any inconsistencies with his sheer strength and speed for the position. He plays with passion and a ton of energy. During a recent media scrum, Iheanachor made it very clear that he wants to bully opposing defenses in the run game.
"S**t, I just want to go out there and f**k guys up," Iheanachor said.
This is the kind of mentality that Pittsburgh's offensive line desperately needed. There has been a drought of talent on the offensive line in the Steel City for multiple seasons now, and it seems like the team has finally found its guy to anchor the edge. Steelers fans can begin to take a breath of relief, as they could be watching a future star.
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Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor makes his NFL debut against the Falcons on September 13, 2026.
It has been a joy to watch the inexperienced offensive tackle come into the NFL and develop so quickly, as he has truly shocked many fans. It is hard to believe that a player who had never played the sport until he was nearly 17 years old could get caught up to speed against the best players in the world so quickly. The future is extremely bright for the young offensive lineman as he continues to grow as a player.
The Steelers' Offensive Line Has Infinite Potential
Pittsburgh's offensive line has looked drastically improved over the last few weeks, especially after making the decision to start Iheanachor. The starting unit as a whole is very young by league standards, with the average age being 25.2 years old. The team also drafted offensive guard Gennings Dunker during the 2026 NFL Draft, who has not yet gotten to see the field due to injury, but sits at a ripe 23 years old. The sky is the limit for the unit as each player possesses the ability to develop along a similar timeline together. Pittsburgh has struggled to find good pieces to put on the offensive line for many years and it is very refreshing to see the team finally begin to figure it out. It will be interesting to watch the growth of the unit as a whole during the remainder of the 2026 season.
Watch out for Iheanachor, who has the chance to establish himself as one of the league's better offensive tackles as he continues to develop.
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