Pittsburgh targets a future at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back in a 2026 three‑round mock that also hints at an interior‑line upgrade. Garrett Nussmeier from LSU is slated at No. 27, with Texas A&M’s Kevin Concepcion, Duke’s Chandler Rivers, and Alabama’s Keon Sabb filling key roles later. The piece also notes the Steelers’ current safety trio—Juan Thornhill, DeShon Elliott, and Chuck Clark—while Isaac Seumalo looms as the potential point of upgrade on the interior line, setting up a blueprint built on upside, versatility, and immediate depth as free agency reshapes the roster.

From a fantasy lens, the mock leans into Pittsburgh’s short‑pass, YAC‑heavy identity. Nussmeier would be a long‑term add behind Kenny Pickett, Concepcion could inject quick‑hit targets, and Sabb/Rivers offer ceiling at coverage positions. The OL angle remains pivotal, with an interior blocker potentially changing line play and, in turn, offensive efficiency. Overall, the draft plan blends upside with roster stability as offseason moves unfold.

In sum, the simulated picks map a clear strategy: groom a QB of the future, add a reliable YAC threat, fortify the back end, and keep interior line options ready as free agency drives roster decisions and cap management.

The Steelers are tracking Drew Allar and Nico Iamaleava at the Penn State–UCLA showdown as part of a measured plan for a 2026 quarterback. Pittsburgh sits 3-1 atop the AFC North, with Aaron Rodgers in the background as a bridge option. A top-8 QB board places Allar at No. 7, underscoring the dilemma: keep winning could push the Steelers out of early-first-round range, possibly reshaping their long-term QB approach.

Belichick’s college football experiment with North Carolina is underway amid a brutal start, trailing Clemson 28-3 early as the coach emphasizes rebuilding through recruiting and portal help. The UNC QB derby between Max Johnson and Gio Lopez is the marquee storyline for fantasy managers, with upside for passers and receivers if the talent influx pays off. The broader takeaway: UNC is betting on a multi-year talent retooling to climb back into ACC contention.

Clemson’s rough season and ACC shakeups heighten the stakes for next season, making tracking incoming recruits and quarterback stability essential for fantasy and betting angles. For dynasty players, incoming class quality and portal impact could unlock value at multiple skill positions as UNC aims to convert potential into on-field production in 2025.