Former Ohio State Linebacker Signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers

 

**Former Ohio State Linebacker Signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers**

In an exciting move that has stirred up both the Ohio State and Pittsburgh Steelers fanbases, a former Ohio State linebacker has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a significant chapter in his professional football journey.

This move not only highlights the continuous pipeline of talent flowing from one of the most prestigious college football programs in the nation to the NFL but also signifies the Steelers’ commitment to strengthening their defense.

This article explores the impact of this signing, the player’s college career, and what his addition could mean for Pittsburgh’s future.

The Player: A Standout from Ohio State

The linebacker who made the transition from Ohio State to the Pittsburgh Steelers is none other than Malik Harrison A household name among college football fans, Malik Harrison left an indelible mark on the Ohio State Buckeyes during his time in Columbus.

Known for his tenacity, leadership, and ability to read offenses, he quickly became a key player in the Buckeyes’ defensive unit, earning multiple accolades during his college career.

Malik Harrison entered Ohio State as a highly sought-after recruit, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact on the field.

His physicality, speed, and football IQ were evident from his freshman year, and over the course of his college career, he developed into one of the top linebackers in the nation.

He was a standout in several major games, earning recognition for his contributions in Ohio State’s pursuit of Big Ten championships and a potential College Football Playoff berth.

Over the years, Malik Harrison became a versatile linebacker who could contribute in various aspects of the game.

His ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and drop back into coverage made him a rare commodity in college football.

In his final year, he helped lead the defense with key tackles, sacks, and interceptions, making him a consensus All-American and one of the top linebacker prospects heading into the NFL draft.

NFL Draft and Initial Challenges

After an outstanding college career,Malik Harrison was highly regarded as one of the top linebackers in his draft class.

However, despite his talent, like many young players entering the league, he faced the difficult challenge of transitioning to the professional game.

The speed, complexity, and physicality of the NFL are far greater than in college football, and while Malik Harrison had the skills to succeed, the question remained could he adjust quickly enough to make an immediate impact

Several teams showed interest in Malik Harrison during the draft process, but it was the Pittsburgh Steelers who ultimately made the bold decision to sign him.

The Steelers, a franchise with a rich history of developing tough, physical linebackers, were a natural fit for him. Pittsburgh has long been known for its “Steel Curtain” defense, and they saw Malik Harrison as the type of player who could help revive that identity.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Need for Defensive Depth

The Steelers’ defense, while traditionally one of the best in the NFL, has faced its challenges in recent seasons. While the team still boasts elite players such as defensive lineman Cam Heyward and linebacker T.J. Watt, the loss of key defensive contributors and the need for depth at linebacker became evident.

Entering the 2025 season, the Steelers needed to solidify their linebacker corps, particularly in the middle of the field where leadership, tackling ability, and coverage skills are critical.

The Steelers are known for drafting and developing linebackers, and Malik Harrison represented the perfect blend of youth and potential.

While Pittsburgh has a history of strong defensive performances, they’ve also relied heavily on veteran leadership in recent years.

Signing Malik Harrison provided the Steelers with the opportunity to bring in a player who could not only contribute immediately but also grow into a key component of the defense for years to come.

A New Era in Pittsburgh’s Linebacking Corps

The signing of Malik Harrison represents a potential new era for Pittsburgh’s defense. The Steelers’ linebacking corps, which has featured some of the greatest in NFL history such as Jack Lambert, James Harrison, and Ryan Shazier, is set to add another name to that list.

In Pittsburgh, Malik Harrison will be joining a linebacking unit led by the aforementioned T.J. Watt, one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. This pairing is likely to give opposing offenses fits, as Watt’s relentless edge pressure and Malik Harrison ability to stop the run and cover passing lanes should complement each other perfectly.

With defensive coordinator continuing to implement a strong, aggressive defensive system, the addition of a young and dynamic player like Malik Harrison could be the key to taking Pittsburgh’s defense to the next level.

For Malik Harrison this opportunity could provide a platform to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.

With a wealth of veteran leadership in the locker room, he’ll have the chance to develop under the tutelage of some of the best players in the league.

Veteran linebackers, defensive coaches, and team leaders are expected to guide him as he transitions into a professional role, allowing him to learn the nuances of NFL play.

What This Means for the Steelers

In addition to bolstering their linebacker depth, the Steelers’ decision to sign Malik Harrison is indicative of a shift in philosophy for the team.

The Steelers have long been associated with hard hitting defenses and a blue collar approach to football.

By bringing in a player with Malik Harrison pedigree, Pittsburgh aims to revitalize that identity, especially after some difficult seasons defensively.

The combination of veteran leadership and young talent could provide the Steelers with the balance they need to be competitive both in the short and long term.

As they aim to return to the top of the AFC North and make a deep playoff run, the defense will have to be the driving force, and adding Malik Harrison to the mix could be the piece that makes the difference.

Ohio State’s Impact on the NFL Pipeline

This signing also highlights the continued success of Ohio State in producing NFL-caliber talent. Ohio State’s football program has consistently produced some of the most promising players in recent NFL drafts, and Malik Harrison is just another example of the school’s ability to develop future stars.

As of recent years, Ohio State has been a hub for NFL talent, especially on defense, with multiple players from the Buckeyes making significant contributions at the professional level.

For fans of Ohio State, watching Malik Harrison succeed in Pittsburgh will be a source of pride.

Many former Buckeyes have thrived in the NFL, and now another former star is ready to make his mark in one of the league’s most storied franchises.

Conclusion

The signing of Malik Harrison by the Pittsburgh Steelers is an exciting development for both the Steelers and the Ohio State football program. It signifies the next chapter in a promising linebacker’s career and provides the Steelers with a much-needed asset to strengthen their defense.

With his skill set, leadership, and ability to adjust quickly, Malik Harrison  could become a key player in Pittsburgh’s quest to return to championship contention.

Steelers fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how he adapts to the NFL and how his talents contribute to the continued evolution of one of the league’s most historic franchises.