Story by
Predicting the Steelers' MVP, Most Improved, and More Heading into the 2026 Season
- Story by
- Predicting the Steelers' MVP, Most Improved, and More Heading into the 2026 Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers are now just 9.5 days away from kicking off their regular season . They will host the Atlanta Falcons in the first regular-season matchup of head coach Mike McCarthy's Steelers tenure . After winning the AFC North in 2025, McCarthy has inherited a playoff team that has been retooled. Now, the pressure is on him to deliver a deep playoff run.
A number of players will be depended on to push the Steelers as far as they can go. The most pivotal player in this equation is quarterback Aaron Rodgers . He isn't the quarterback he once was, but he has one more season left in the arm that earned him four NFL MVP awards.
Advertisement
There will also be a number of Steelers recognized for their efforts throughout the season. Whether it is a Pro Bowl selection, an All-Pro selection or even the team MVP, there's a lot to look forward to from this team. Here are predictions for some of those awards:
Team MVP: Alex Highsmith
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) celebrates an interception in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 16 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. The Steelers won 34-11.
Highsmith led the Steelers in sacks last year with 9.5. T.J. Watt is primed for a bounce-back season , but don't rule out Highsmith continuing to produce at a high level.
Advertisement
If he can stay healthy, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will be able to use Highsmith in a big way. Highsmith had a team MVP-worthy season in 2022. Will he capture the award this year?
Rookie of the Year: Max Iheanachor
Jul 30, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) works against offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (left) during training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Big Max could become a key contributor at some point this season. He has had a strong training camp and put together a solid debut in the preseason finale. Iheanachor had some tough reps, but it was also his first game action.
This prediction assumes Iheanachor earns a starting role early in the season. The other candidates could be Germie Bernard or Robert Spears-Jennings. However, if Iheanachor earns the trust of the coaching staff and gets on the field as a starter, he could have a big rookie season.
Advertisement
Most Improved: Roman Wilson
Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (14) takes the field to play the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Just about everyone is in the "believe it when I see it" phase with Wilson. However, Rodgers has repeatedly praised Wilson's approach entering his third year. Even though his game still needs some refinement, we will see early how far he has come.
Expect Wilson to receive most of the slot work, and perhaps we will all see the connection he built with Rodgers during training camp translate to the field.
Pro Bowlers
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) breaks into the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. The Bengals won, 33-31.reuters.com,2025:newsml_MT1USATODAY27342989:425839333
Pat Freiermuth, Zach Frazier, Alex Highsmith, Joey Porter Jr., Chris Boswell, DK Metcalf
Advertisement
If there's one player poised for a bounce-back year, it is Freiermuth. McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio have produced big performances from tight ends over the years. Metcalf should benefit from the new offense, while Frazier and Porter could earn their first official Pro Bowl nods.
All-Pro Selections
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) celebrates a missed field goal against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2024:newsml_MT1USATODAY24785304:829829925
Joey Porter Jr., Cam Heyward (Second Team), Alex Highsmith (Second Team), T.J. Watt (Second Team), Zach Frazier (Second Team)
Porter played at an All-Pro level last year. He was snubbed for the award and a Pro Bowl selection. This year, he will prove to the NFL and the Steelers why he is worth top-cornerback money.
Advertisement
Frazier could make his All-Pro debut, while several key defenders have a chance to earn recognition as well.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
