McCarthy Knows the Importance of Iheanachor’s Success
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published June 10, 2026, 4:21 PM
FIRST IMPRESSIONS AREN’T ALWAYS EASY
The Steelers made Max Iheanachor their first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, a decision that reinforced a growing organizational belief. Pittsburgh has now invested first-round capital on offensive linemen in three of the last four drafts, a clear indication that protecting the quarterback remains a priority.
On the final media-access day of Organized Team Activities, most reporters gathered around quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard. That left an opportunity to catch up with the massive rookie tackle as he exited the practice field at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
At first, Iheanachor wasn’t exactly eager to become the center of attention. His answers were short, measured and deliberate. But after a few questions, the personality behind the shoulder pads began to emerge.
When asked what attracted the Steelers to him, Iheanachor offered a simple but revealing response.
“I’ll definitely say just as a person who I am and how I go about things.”
That answer may have been brief, but it carried weight. Pittsburgh values toughness, accountability and consistency. Those qualities helped turn an under-the-radar prospect into a first-round selection.
Like many defenders who will eventually attempt to rush past him, getting around Iheanachor isn’t easy. Even getting him to open up required patience. Once he settled in, however, the confidence and maturity that helped elevate him into a first-round talent became impossible to miss.
Iheanachor Quick Hits
- Steelers selected Iheanachor in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Pittsburgh has drafted offensive linemen in Round 1 three times in four years
- Initially reserved during media availability
- Opened up more as the conversation continued
- Displays the personality traits Pittsburgh values.
THE LONG ROAD FROM EAST LOS ANGELES
Long before first-round status became reality, Iheanachor was fighting for recognition at East Los Angeles College.
His football journey didn’t follow the traditional path of elite recruits who arrive on major college campuses with five-star labels attached to their names. Instead, he earned everything through development and patience.
During the 2021 and 2022 seasons at East Los Angeles College, Iheanachor steadily built a reputation as one of the most intriguing junior college prospects in the nation. By 2023, recruiting services ranked him as the No. 7 overall junior college prospect in America.
The ranking reflected more than size and athletic traits. Coaches saw a player whose ceiling remained largely untapped.
That growth continues to this day.
“No, I’ll definitely take some time, for sure. It’s crazy, I’m more athletic now than I was when I was like 240.”
That’s a remarkable statement considering Iheanachor is 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds, now carries significantly more weight than he did earlier in his athletic career. The added strength hasn’t diminished his movement skills. If anything, it has enhanced them.
For a player still relatively new to high-level football compared to many NFL rookies, the trajectory remains impressive. Each stop has brought improvement, and each challenge has accelerated his development.
Iheanachor Quick Hits
- Played at East Los Angeles College in 2021 and 2022
- Ranked No. 7 overall JUCO prospect in 2023
- Took a nontraditional route to the NFL
- Says he’s more athletic now than at 240 pounds
- Athletic growth remains one of his biggest strengths
ARIZONA STATE CHANGED EVERYTHING
After earning national attention in junior college, Iheanachor arrived at Arizona State with an opportunity to prove he belonged against top competition.
The transition wasn’t immediate, but the payoff was significant.
By the 2024 season he had established himself as a full-time starter. He followed that performance with another strong campaign in 2025, showing the consistency NFL evaluators demand from offensive linemen.
The experience accelerated both his confidence and understanding of the game.
One reason for that growth was learning from teammates and sharing ideas with experienced players.
“Really, everybody. I mean, Troy (Fautanu), you know, talked to him a lot about things. Just how he sees things and I see things and just try to mesh our ideas together. Just go out there and play fast.”
That answer reveals a player who values collaboration and learning. Offensive line play requires communication and trust, and Iheanachor embraced both.
His Arizona State tape showcased a prospect who was still ascending. NFL scouts saw improved technique, better awareness and the athletic ability necessary to handle elite edge rushers.
The Steelers saw enough to make him one of the foundational pieces of their future.
Iheanachor Quick Hits
- Became a full-time Arizona State starter in 2024
- Started throughout the 2025 season
- Developed into an NFL first-round prospect
- Credits teammates and mentors for growth
- Learned to trust preparation and play fast
LOOKING THE PART IN PITTSBURGH
While Organized Team Activities offer only a small glimpse into a rookie’s future, Iheanachor has looked comfortable from the moment he arrived.
The pace is faster. The competition is better. The expectations are higher.
Yet none of it appears too large for the Steelers’ first-round pick.
“The biggest adjustment, I mean, just been practicing for over a month now, just getting used to the tempo and just getting work every day.”
That answer reflects the reality of NFL life. Every rookie faces an adjustment period. The difference is how quickly they adapt.
Observers at practice have consistently noticed Iheanachor moving efficiently through drills. There is very little wasted motion. He processes coaching points quickly and appears increasingly confident with each session.
Perhaps most encouraging is how naturally he has blended into the offensive line room. Veteran players have embraced him, and he appears eager to absorb every lesson available.
The result is a rookie who doesn’t look overwhelmed by the stage. Instead, he looks exactly like a first-round pick should look during his first NFL spring.
Iheanachor Quick Hits
- Has looked poised throughout OTAs
- Adjusting quickly to NFL practice tempo
- Shows confidence during position drills
- Earning respect from veteran teammates
- Rarely appears overwhelmed by the moment
THE DETAILS THAT STAND OUT
The easiest thing to notice about Iheanachor is his size and athletic ability. That might sound cliché but you do really notice his skills visually.
That cannot be understated and his importance to anchor one of the edges for the offensive line in the near future is paramount.
The most important thing to notice might be everything else.
Offensive line coaches obsess over details and Steelers James Campen who resides as Pittsburgh offensive line coach has the task to fine tune Iheanachor’s technique.
Foot placement. Hand usage. Balance. Leverage. Stance. Positioning.
Those details often separate talented prospects from reliable NFL starters.
Throughout OTA sessions, Iheanachor’s stance and body positioning have consistently stood out. He appears balanced before the snap and comfortable moving into his assignments. Those may sound like small observations, but they are often indicators of future success.
His athletic background also helps explain why.
“I mean, basketball is different. This weight room, they’ll say the weight room helped a lot.”
The combination of natural movement skills and added strength has created a unique physical profile. At his size, players simply aren’t supposed to move the way he does.
That’s why Pittsburgh invested a first-round pick in him.
The Steelers aren’t asking Iheanachor to become a finished product overnight. They simply need him to continue the same progression that carried him from East Los Angeles College to Arizona State and eventually to the first round of the NFL Draft.
If the early OTA returns are any indication, he’s already headed in the right direction.
Iheanachor Quick Hits
- Stance and positioning have been impressive
- Shows strong balance before the snap
- Basketball background aids movement skills
- Weight-room development increased strength
- Early signs point toward a bright NFL future
