New Steelers QB Drew Allar embracing competition with Will Howard

TL;DR

The Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted quarterback Drew Allar from Penn State, setting up a competition with Will Howard. Allar embraces the challenge and aims to support his teammates while focusing on preparation and effort.

Key points

Drew Allar drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round
Competition with Will Howard for starting quarterback position
Allar's college stats: 73 touchdowns, 13 interceptions
Howard's college stats: 83 touchdowns, 35 interceptions
Both quarterbacks will see their first live NFL action this preseason

Pittsburgh SteelersPenn State Nittany Lions

STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Drew Allar #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions practices before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 11, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images There’s a new quarterback in town for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After the Arizona Cardinals kicked off the third round by selecting Carson Beck out of Miami, the Steelers selected Penn State’s Drew Allar 11 picks later. This sets up a quarterback competition of former Big Ten adversaries, as Allar and Will Howard will compete to see who can be the future of the Steelers. Speaking to the media on a conference call after being drafted, Allar says he is going to embrace the competition with Howard, as well as support him and everyone else in the room. “I think it’s about pulling for each other first and foremost,” Allar said. “You want the team to be the most successful every Sunday. So you want to go out and win every game. That’s the ultimate goal, and that’s my ultimate goal. So for me, it’s just about putting my head down and focusing on what I can control. Just my effort and attitude each day and the amount of preparation I can out into going into each day. I know everybody in the quarterback room is going to do the same thing, and I feel like it’s going to be a really exciting room to be part of.” Allar totaled 73 touchdowns (61 passing, 12 rushing) and just 13 interceptions in his Penn State career. Howard had 83 passing touchdowns to 35 interceptions in his collegiate career, including 35 touchdown passes in 2024. This preseason will mark the first live NFL game action for both quarterbacks, as Howard suffered a hand injury in training camp last summer that kept him out of exhibition play. ***Let us know what you think in the comments***. ***Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!***

Q&A

What are Drew Allar's college statistics at Penn State?

Drew Allar totaled 73 touchdowns, including 61 passing and 12 rushing, with just 13 interceptions during his college career at Penn State.

How does Drew Allar feel about competing with Will Howard for the Steelers' starting QB position?

Drew Allar expressed that he embraces the competition with Will Howard and emphasizes the importance of supporting each other in the quarterback room.

What injury did Will Howard suffer that affected his NFL preseason play?

Will Howard suffered a hand injury during training camp last summer, which kept him out of exhibition play.