The 2026 NFL Draft in photos

By Jon Guo, Alex Jurkuta, Liam Sullivan, Akshath Puli, and Ethan Tran • April 27, 2026

A record-breaking 800,000+ fans assembled on the North Shore for the 2026 NFL Draft over the course of three days. The Pitt News sent photographers to document all three days of celebration, heartbreak...

Pitt top prospect Kyle Louis drafted No. 138 overall by the Miami Dolphins

By Grace Longworth and Conor Hutchison • April 25, 2026

After going undrafted on Day Two of the 2026 NFL Draft, Pitt’s standout linebacker Kyle Louis was selected late in the fourth round, No. 138 overall, by the Miami Dolphins.

Pitt football’s Kyle Louis nears top of best available prospects heading into third day of NFL Draft

By Alex Kiger, Assistant Sports Editor • April 24, 2026

Pitt football’s Kyle Louis might not have heard his name called on Friday night, but heading into day three of the NFL Draft, Pitt football has one of the best available prospects. Pitt star Kyle...

Fans underwhelmed by Steelers first round pick Max Iheanachor

By Alex Kiger, Conor Hutchison, and Ari Meyer • April 24, 2026

With the 21st pick in the draft, the Steelers selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State. For an eager fan base who watched the draft take place in their own backyard, Steelers fans had mixed reactions to the selection of Iheanachor.

Draft dodging: Pitt students avoid North Shore crowds, attend NFL Draft watch parties in Oakland

By Maxine Van Nortwick and Grace Longworth • April 23, 2026

From South Oakland porches to popular bars and restaurants, Pitt students held and attended watch parties to witness the first 32 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. Many chose to stay local to avoid the anticipated Thursday night crowds.  

More than 300,000 attendees flock to the North Shore for Night One of the 2026 NFL Draft

By Abby Lipold, Grace Longworth, Kyra McCague, Naomi Weiss, Sarah George, and Madeline Ward • April 23, 2026

As a record-breaking 320,000 Pittsburgh residents and visitors are expected to attend the 2026 NFL Draft tonight, the city is gearing up for “a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

North Shore and Downtown businesses bracing for NFL Draft crowds

By Luke Clister and Kelly Kowalewski • April 22, 2026

With the NFL Draft coming to Pittsburgh between April 23 and 25, city businesses are preparing for a weekend of heavy foot traffic.

Oakland businesses prepare for NFL Draft crowds

By Bridget Pohl and Sarah George • April 22, 2026

Preparations for the NFL Draft are underway across the city, and businesses in Oakland are making their own plans to handle the surge of visitors. 

NFL Draft traffic will affect Oakland, transportation experts say

By Naomi Weiss and Madeline Ward • April 22, 2026

The NFL Draft will take place in Downtown and the North Shore from April 23 through April 25, expecting to draw anywhere from 500,000 to 700,000 people. Transportation officials and experts detail how and where Oakland could see more road congestion during Draft weekend and advise attendees to use public transportation.

Revisiting the Steelers’ 2024 Draft Class

By Elizabeth Hoegel, Staff Writer • April 17, 2026

With the 2026 NFL Draft only two weeks away, let’s revisit Omar Khan and the Steelers’ 2024 draft class. The 2024 Steelers draft class is far from perfect. Injury-prone players and players who haven’t...