Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — One of the more intriguing selections in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 draft class may not be one of the most talked about.
Fifth-round pick Riley Nowakowski isn’t easy to define. Officially listed as a fullback, the former Indiana and Wisconsin standout has lined up virtually everywhere throughout his college career. Whether it was in the backfield, attached to the line of scrimmage, in the slot or split out wide, Nowakowski proved to be one of the more versatile offensive players in this year’s draft.
If you ask him, though, there’s one position he enjoys most. “I do like tight end. I like scoring touchdowns, I’ll be honest with you. My whole life I’ve loved scoring touchdowns.”
Whether that’s simply confidence or a glimpse into how Pittsburgh plans to use him remains to be seen, but there are reasons to believe Nowakowski could carve out a meaningful role as a rookie. McCarthy has consistently valued players capable of filling multiple roles, and Nowakowski checks plenty of boxes. He can line up at fullback, tight end or H-back while also providing value as a lead blocker in Pittsburgh’s downhill rushing attack. With Rico Dowdle joining the Steelers after four seasons under McCarthy in Dallas, it’s reasonable to expect more gap-scheme concepts, where Nowakowski’s physicality could become an important piece of the offense.
37 • Riley Nowakowski, Fullback/Tight End, Indiana
6-foot-2, 245 pounds, 23 years old, 1st pro season
Acquired: The Steelers selected Nowakowski with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after one season at Indiana and five years at Wisconsin.
Nowakowski’s college journey was anything but conventional. He originally arrived at Wisconsin in 2020 as a walk-on linebacker before eventually making the transition to the offensive side of the football. Over the next several seasons, he developed into one of the Badgers’ most versatile offensive players, lining up at fullback, tight end and H-back while contributing as both a blocker and receiver. During his career at Wisconsin, Nowakowski recorded 18 receptions for 131 yards before entering the transfer portal ahead of his final collegiate season.
His move to Indiana paid off immediately. Playing for the Hoosiers in 2025, Nowakowski enjoyed the best season of his career, hauling in 32 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns. He also played a key role on one of the greatest teams in college football history, helping Indiana finish 16-0 while capturing the program’s first national championship.
At 6-foot-2¼ and 250 pounds, Nowakowski ran a 4.66-second 40-yard dash with a 1.70-second 10-yard split. He also posted a 33.5-inch vertical jump and a 6-foot-11-inch broad jump while participating in the on-field receiving drills. He did not participate in the bench press, three-cone drill or 20-yard shuttle.
His testing reinforced what showed up on film throughout his collegiate career, a versatile offensive player capable of lining up at fullback, H-back and tight end while...
