Navy star running back Eli Heidenreich drafted by hometown Pittsburgh Steelers

Eli Heidenreich will begin his NFL career at home.

The Navy football standout was drafted on Day 3 in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. He was selected as the No. 230 overall pick by Pittsburgh, joining a backfield led by Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.

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"This is the greatest moment of my life. This is the greatest stadium in the world with the greatest people in the world. I couldn't be any happier," Heidenreich said after being selected, according to Jeff Uveino of Go Erie — part of the USA TODAY Network.

"They're getting a football player. They're going to get my best each and every day and we're going to go get another Super Bowl."

Before joining the Midshipmen, Heidenreich won a state championship at Mt. Lebanon High School near Pittsburgh. During the 2025 season, he rushed for 499 yards on 77 carries, while also adding 51 catches for 941 yards. He scored nine offensive touchdowns.

In 2025, he ran 77 times for 499 yards (6.5 yards per carry) in 2025 and also set Navy records by catching 51 passes for 941 yards. He scored nine offensive touchdowns.

Heidenreich racked up 3,151 yards while playing at both receiver and running back for the Midshipmen over the past three seasons.

Eli Heidenreich draft grade

USA TODAY's Jacob Camenker gave Pittsburgh a B for its draft grade for taking Heidenreich No. 230 overall:

"Heidenreich looks like a solid fit for the Steelers. The Navy product posted career-best marks in rushing yards (499) and receiving yards (941) during his last season with the Midshipmen. His skills as a pass-catcher could prove valuable for the team, which lost its top pass-catching back, Kenneth Gainwell, in free agency."