The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Riley Nowakowski out of Indiana in the 5th round of the 2026 NFL Draft, after trading down 9 spots.
And, in news that will please Steelers football purists, although Nowakowski played tight end for the Hoosiers, the Steelers are listing him as a fullback, hopefully signaling a renewed commitment to a physical, run-first identity.
Steelers 2026 5th round draft pick Riley Nowakowski while at Indiana. Photo Credit: Grace Hollars, Imagn Images via The Indianapolis Star
The move was another departure from the Steelers 2026 Draft Needs Matrix, as running back was rated as the second-lowest area of need, but there’s a lot to like about Nowakowski.
Steelers running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung declared, “He’s shown on tape that he has an ability to navigate through the backfield. The young man plays with grit, and at the end of the day, it’s all about will, like, you’ve got to be willing to go hunt.”
Riley Nowakowski began his college career as a linebacker, and played 5 seasons for Wisconsin before transferring to Indiana, where he helped the Hoosiers win the National Championship.
Matt C. Steel described him as his “favorite pick of the draft.” Steel explains why:
6-2 250 with great work as a fullback who also can play a little H-Back. 32 receptions and 382 yards is a great average for a guy with his role. No drops. Great kid. Former walk on. Growing up played running back. Has running back vision. Between him and Gennings Dunker, gives me a little hope McCarthy might actually commit to the run enough.
[Editors Note: Anyone who has read a smidgen of Matt C. Steel’s work on Steel City Insider knows he is passionate about committing to the run.]
Riley Nowakowski Highlights: Why the Steelers Are Bringing Back the Fullback
Riley Nowakowski only played one year for Indiana, but as the video confirms, he made an immediate impact.
Watching this I can’t help but hope I’m seeing the next Merril Hoge.
Yes, that’s a lot to ask, but dreams are what make the draft special.
Riley Nowakowski’s Role: Can He Win a Spot as the Steelers’ Fullback?
5th Round picks must earn their NFL roster spots as rookies. With Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle and Kaleb Johnson already keeping seats warm in the running back room, the odds might seem long for Riley Nowakowski to make the team.
Beyond showing he can play special teams, Nowakowski will need to turn his versatility into an asset, the way Connor Heyward was doing before Arthur Smith arrived and reduced his role.
If the tape above is any indication, he’s got a shot at doing that.
Welcome to Steelers Nation Riley Nowakowski.
