Pittsburgh to Host 2026 NFL Draft on North Shore

Key details on the upcoming draft, including date, time, order, and top prospects

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:40pm

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The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place over three days from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, with the main stage located outside of Acrisure Stadium. The draft will feature seven rounds, with the first round kicking things off on Thursday night. Ohio State prospects dominate the top of the draft board, led by a talented group of offensive and defensive playmakers.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events of the offseason, as teams look to add key pieces to their rosters through the selection of top college talent. Pittsburgh's hosting of the 2026 draft marks the first time the event has been held in the city, providing a unique backdrop and fan experience for the league's annual player selection process.

The details

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place over three days, with the first round on Thursday, April 23, rounds 2-3 on Friday, April 24, and the final four rounds on Saturday, April 25. The main draft stage will be located outside of Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the fan experience will be centered around Point State Park. Viewers will be able to watch the draft on NFL Network, ESPN, and various streaming platforms. Ohio State leads the way with several top prospects, including a talented group of offensive and defensive playmakers.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET.
  • Rounds 2-3 will take place on Friday, April 24 starting at 7 p.m. ET.
  • The final four rounds will be held on Saturday, April 25 beginning at 12 p.m. ET.

The players

Ayrton Ostly

USA TODAY Sports' draft expert and author of the top 10 prospects list.

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What’s next

The NFL will release the full seven-round draft order in the coming weeks, and teams will continue to evaluate prospects and make final preparations ahead of the draft.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh represents an exciting opportunity for the city and the league, as teams look to add top college talent to their rosters and hundreds of prospects vie to begin their professional careers. The event's unique setting and fan experience are sure to make it a memorable weekend for the NFL and its passionate fanbase.