Pittsburgh’s No. 26 jersey has a new face in Brandin Echols, who signed a two-year deal in March and is making a strong case during camp and the Jaguars preseason, potentially locking in a prominent role for 2025. The countdown to Jets at MetLife frames Echols’ ascent as part of a longer No. 26 lineage in Pittsburgh.

No. 26 history on the Steelers includes Donte Jackson (2024), Anthony McFarland Jr. (2020-2023), Mark Barron (2019), and Le’Veon Bell (2013-2017). Rod Woodson stands out as the franchise’s best to wear 26, with a Hall of Fame résumé that mirrors the jersey’s legacy: ballhawk playmaking, multiple Pro Bowls, Defensive POY, and elevated status in Steelers lore.

The piece also situates this year’s No. 26 in the Jets game narrative, noting the crosshair on the defense as Pittsburgh looks to leverage Echols’ camp credibility and the No. 26 banner’s weight in a 2025 campaign that could hinge on secondary depth and big-play moments from the cornerback spot.