Eli Heidenreich was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 230 overall, a dream come true for the local running back.
Before making waves at Navy, he played high school football at Mt. Lebanon High School, where he won a state championship. At Navy, he rushed for 1,157 yards over three seasons and averaged an impressive 6.8 yards per carry.
In his final college season, Heidenreich showcased his versatility with 1,440 yards from scrimmage and nine total touchdowns in just 13 games. His ability to catch passes—18.5 yards per reception with six receiving touchdowns—made him an appealing prospect.
Heidenreich almost signed with another team as an undrafted free agent but was thrilled when the Steelers called his name. “This is the greatest moment of my life,” he said. “This is the greatest stadium in the world with the greatest people in the world. I couldn’t be any happier.”
His selection sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. Jacob Camenker noted, “Heidenreich looks like a solid fit for the Steelers.” The team now has him listed as their sixth running back on the offseason roster.
With a strong background and impressive stats from his time at Navy, Heidenreich’s journey is just beginning. His commitment to excellence is clear: “They’re getting a football player. They’re going to get my best each and every day and we’re going to go get another Super Bowl.”
The Steelers have high hopes for Heidenreich’s future contributions on the field as they prepare for the upcoming season.
