Eli Heidenreich, a running back from the Naval Academy, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 230th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Heidenreich excelled at Mt. Lebanon High School, where the team finished 15-0 and won the Pennsylvania state championship in 2021. His coach, Bob Palko, noted that FBS programs showed little interest despite the team's success.
Heidenreich and teammate Alex Tecza accepted appointments to the Naval Academy. There, Heidenreich became the school's all-time leading receiver while balancing academics and military duties.
The Steelers drafted him in late April. He crossed the stage in his Naval Academy uniform during the draft held in Pittsburgh. He has since spent two months focusing solely on football ahead of training camp.
Palko said Heidenreich must earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Comparisons to Christian McCaffrey remain premature, according to the coach.
