Let’s talk Steelers: What’s Pittsburgh’s biggest X-factor in 2026?

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 12: Deshon Elliott #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Cleveland Browns on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

X-factor: It's a term we use a lot in sports for some reason, generally as a way to describe a variable that could swing either way in a game or season, often determining whether the result is a success or a failure.

For the Steelers in 2026, there are a lot of potential names or position groups who could fit that definition. Under a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, there are plenty of expectations, but no one knows for sure what the team will look like come Week 1.

What's the Steelers' biggest X-factor?

McCarthy is the obvious factor here. While he's a proven NFL coach with plenty of past experience to pull from, it remains to be seen how he'll lead a new team in 2026. He's the biggest change for the Steelers entering the new season, and will no doubt receive much of the criticism or credit if the team finishes differently than it did in 2025.

But when it comes to the roster, two position groups stand out more than others.

On offense, the line faces yet another season of big investments with few answers. The Steelers drafted two presumed future starters in tackle Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker in the draft, but it remains to be seen if either will see the field Week 1. Even the team's most successful linemen might not be sure things, as every name besides center Zach Frazier was playing at a new spot as the team opened OTAs last week.

Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick moved to the left side. Reserve lineman Spencer Anderson started at right guard. And Dylan Cook, who filled in admirably at left tackle last year, was the starter on the right as Broderick Jones' injury return remains unclear.

Pittsburgh boasts an impressive collection of draft pedigree and depth up front, but chemistry remains important on the offensive line, and the current group is incredibly young. With the amount of talent the Steelers have spread across the five positions, it's easy to be optimistic about the group headed into the future. But nothing is a guarantee in the NFL, especially early on in the season, and fans know how much the trenches matter to success in both the ground and passing game.

For yet another year, the development of the Steelers' offensive line might be the biggest story of the season. New O-line coach James Campen, and his assistant Jahri Evans (also potential X-factors) have a big task this offseason.

On the other side of the ball, the performance and health of the safety room might play a big factor in whether or not the defense can reach its expectations.

It's a thin group. Jaquan Brisker and DeShon Elliott are the projected starters, both strong safeties who will be at their best in the box or in split-safety looks. Elliott is coming off a season-ending knee injury at 29 years old, and the depth behind him isn't great. Robert Spears-Jennings, Makari Paige, Jack Henderson, Sebastian Castro, and Devan Boykin are all closer to special teamers than starters at this point in their careers.

Versatile cornerback Jalen Ramsey is a valuable piece of insurance to have, but even he had some struggles managing multiple secondary positions last year. And like Brisker and Elliott, he was at his best closer to the line of scrimmage, not as a centerfielder.

Safety isn't the most high-value position in the NFL, but the Steelers' struggles with names such as Chuck Clark, Juan Thornhill, and Kyle Dugger last year resulted in some of the team's biggest defensive issues.

Even though the Pittsburgh cornerback room looks a lot better heading from 2025 to 2026, the secondary remains a big question mark for the Steelers.

What do you think are the Steelers' biggest X factors entering the new season? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!