Roethlisberger Favors Howard Over Allar on Steelers Podcast

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger stated that second-year quarterback Will Howard stands out more than rookie Drew Allar. The franchise's passing leader with 64,088 yards and 418 touchdowns shared the assessment on his "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger" podcast. Roethlisberger expressed reservations about Allar while praising Howard's tape.

The Steelers drafted Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after his transfer from Kansas State to Ohio State, where he won a national championship in 2024. Pittsburgh selected Allar, a former Penn State starter, at No. 76 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team placed an unrestricted free-agent tender on Aaron Rodgers, who guided Pittsburgh to a 10-7 AFC North title last season, though Rodgers has not signed and the 2026 starting quarterback remains uncertain.

In 2024 at Ohio State, Howard passed for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 175.3 passer rating on 73.0% completions. He led the Big Ten in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage while adding 226 rushing yards and seven scores. Allar averaged 2,979 passing yards, 24.5 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 145.2 passer rating at 63.2% completions over his two full seasons as Penn State's starter in 2023 and 2024; his 2025 season ended after six games with a broken ankle.

The Steelers' quarterback room features Allar, Howard, and Mason Rudolph, who has made 14 starts across two stints with Pittsburgh from 2018-23 and 2025 onward. Roethlisberger noted Allar did not jump off the page despite his size, mobility, and arm strength, leaving the jury out on the rookie.