The Steelers selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor from Arizona State with the 21st pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“It meant the world. It was a surreal feeling,” said Iheanachor. “Can’t describe it. No other feeling like that. It was a once in a lifetime experience for sure. I am still very emotional right now. Just really grateful for the opportunity. Ready to come in and get some work.”
Iheanachor said he had a meeting with the Steelers at the NFL Combine and a Zoom call with them afterwards. He didn’t know if he would end up in Pittsburgh, but is happy he did.
“I am really excited for the opportunity,” said Iheanachor. “They have a really young o-line room. Getting ready to come in and compete. I am ready.
“It literally just hit. That call. It was like an out of body type of experience. It’s surreal. Be shout out to God. Without him none of this would be possible.”
He was a key factor for the Arizona State offensive line, not allowing a sack in his senior season. He has appeared in 32 career games, starting 31.
“He’s great for us. A stud of a young man,” said Coach Mike McCarthy. “Throughout the process, you heard about him a little bit early, and he just kept growing and growing and growing through the evaluation.”
He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection in 2025.
And now he is a Steelers offensive lineman and is ready to show what he brings.
“A guy that is going to come in and work hard,” said Iheanachor. “Still be a sponge. I am ready to learn. Whatever it is, I am willing to do. I am ready to learn. Ready to compete. Come in and just work hard.”