We’ve made it. It’s here. Football is back and the shiny new toys are being taken out of the box.
The Steelers took the field for the first organized practice of training camp at St. Vincent College on Wednesday morning. It was the first time Steelers fans could watch favorites, newcomers, and the 2026 draft class at the same time, including third-round pick and former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.
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Allar underwent significant changes to his processing and footwork during OTAs and minicamp, being broken down and built back up again by new head coach Mike McCarthy. Following a strong career at Penn State, but one that left much to be desired, Allar explained after practice how McCarthy is impacting his season.
“Definitely makes you be very detail oriented and have a purpose behind every rep,” Allar said. “I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned.”
Allar missed half the season with a broken ankle but was the first of three players taken by the Steelers in the third round. In 45 career games, 35 starts from his sophomore to senior year, Allar threw for 7,402 yards, 61 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
The lack of accuracy and clutch performances in big games hurt Allar’s stock and was never able to win the big game at Penn State. The slate is wiped clean in the NFL, especially with a more accomplished and well respected offensive head coach.
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“Have a purpose and intent behind everything in those individual drills where you’re throwing to stationary targets and do all the hard work there,” Allar said, describing what he’s been working on. “When it’s time to go play 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 football just go play ball and coach it up after.”
Allar began his college career with an FBS record 311 passes before throwing an interception. He finished his career with the Nittany Lions first all-time in completion percentage 63.2%. McCarthy had success working with Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott, and other quarterbacks in the past to get the most out of their potential. Allar has all the tools necessary to be a starting quarterback, but significant work remains.
“When it’s in those [individual] drills, making sure I’m doing the correct footwork, correct reads, whatever the case is, and being very intentional with that,” Allar said.
The Steelers’ first preseason game is Thursday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium and will be the first time Allar takes the field inside their home stadium.
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