Steelers’ Drew Allar connection dates back to his high school days

TL;DR

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Drew Allar from Penn State with the 76th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Allar has a long-standing connection with Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, who recruited him in high school.

Key points

Steelers selected Drew Allar with the 76th overall pick
Allar has a connection to Steelers coach Tom Arth
He threw for 61 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in college

Mentioned in this story

Drew AllarTom Arth

Pittsburgh SteelersPenn State Nittany Lions

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 13: Drew Allar #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions pitches the ball before the game against the Villanova Wildcats at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on September 13, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to select a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they got their guy in the third round. The Steelers selected Drew Allar out of Penn State with the 76th overall pick, setting up a battle between he and Will Howard to be the potential future starting quarterback. And while many could Allar is an in-state draft pick, his connection to the Steelers dates back to when he was in high school and Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth recruited him while he was the head coach at the University of Akron. “I’ve been watching Drew since he was probably 14 or 15 years old,” Arth said after the Steelers drafted the Medina, OH native. “[I] offered him [a scholarship] as a college coach. And it’s just amazing to see how far he’s come.“ When discussing the traits he loves about Allar, Arth raved about his arm talent. “He throws it as well as any quarterback in this draft class,” Arth said. “He has an effortless arm. He can make every single throw on the field. And he’s a better athlete than I think [he’s] given credit for.” Allar threw for 61 touchdowns in college to just 13 interceptions. His arm is certainly his best weapon, it’s just a matter of Arth and head coach Mike McCarthy cleaning up his footwork and decision-making when the play breaks down. ***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 round was Drew Allar selected in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Drew Allar was selected in the third round with the 76th overall pick.

Who recruited Drew Allar during high school?

Drew Allar was recruited by Tom Arth, who was the head coach at the University of Akron at the time.

What are Drew Allar's college football statistics?

Drew Allar threw for 61 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions during his college career.