The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially announced the jersey numbers for their incoming 2025 draft class, generating excitement among Steelers fans. The team’s social media channels unveiled the selections, providing a detailed look at which rookies will be sporting iconic numbers. This is a key step in welcoming these talented young players into the Steelers organization and setting the stage for their debut season. The announcement underscores the Steelers’ commitment to building a strong foundation for the future, pairing promising talent with established Steelers traditions.

**Key Number Assignments:**

**Will Howard (1st Round):** The highly-reregarded quarterback Will Howard will wear the number **18**. This is the number he consistently wore throughout his collegiate career – at Kansas State (2022-2023) and Ohio State. Howard’s selection of 18 is a significant one, solidifying his position as the Steelers’ primary quarterback prospect. The number previously belonged to Anthony Averett and Mike Williams in 2024, marking a new chapter for this promising player. The Steelers' choice reflects a deliberate strategy, aligning Howard's preference with a number previously associated with successful Steelers quarterbacks, demonstrating a trust in his potential.

**Kaleb Johnson (3rd Round):** Running back Kaleb Johnson will carry the number **20**. Johnson has a strong history with this number, having utilized it during his entire three-year tenure at Iowa. However, it’s worth noting that this number was previously worn by Cameron Sutton last season, highlighting the cyclical nature of number assignments within the Steelers organization. Johnson’s choice reflects his dedication and commitment to the Hawkeyes legacy. The Steelers' approach to number assignments suggests a focus on continuity and respect for previous players who wore the same number with distinction.

**Jack Sawyer (4th Round):** The explosive edge rusher Jack Sawyer will stick with the number **33** that he proudly displayed while playing for Ohio State from 2021 to 2024. This consistency demonstrates Sawyer’s confidence and his desire to build upon his successful collegiate career with the Steelers. The number was previously worn by Aaron Shampklin, Boston Scott, David Perales and C.J. Henderson, showcasing a tradition of impactful players. Sawyer’s decision underscores his self-assurance and ambition to make an immediate impact in Pittsburgh.

**Donte Kent (7th Round):** Cornerback/return specialist Donte Kent will opt for the number **34**. Kent’s selection is particularly interesting, as he previously wore both numbers 19 and 4 during his five seasons at Central Michigan. He’s taking over the number after Jalen Elliott wore it for two games with Pittsburgh in 2024, indicating a strategic approach to number assignments. The Steelers’ consideration of multiple numbers for Kent highlights their thoroughness and attention to detail during the draft process.

**Carson Buergger (7th Round):** Linebacker Carson Buergger will forgo the number 87, a number closely associated with his father, Mark Buergger, who was a successful tight end for the Steelers. Instead, he’ll wear number **44**, which was last worn by Tyler Matalakovich in 2024. This decision suggests a desire for independence and a fresh start within the Steelers’ roster. The Steelers' choice for Buergger reflects a respect for family tradition while simultaneously encouraging the young linebacker to establish his own identity on the team.

**Yahya Black (5th Round):** Defensive tackle Yahya Black, a former teammate of Kaleb Johnson at Iowa, will wear number **78**. This number was last worn by James Daniels from 2022 to 2024, signifying Black’s arrival as a key piece of the Steelers’ defensive line. The Steelers' selection of 78 for Black demonstrates a connection to the team's defensive strategy and a deliberate effort to integrate him into the unit from the outset. Black’s choice shows a desire to build on his Iowa legacy and contribute to the Steelers’ defensive dominance.

**Derick Harmon (1st Round):** The Steelers’ first-round pick, defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, will wear number **99**. Harmon previously wore numbers 41 in his three years at Michigan State and 55 in his lone season with the Ducks, solidifying his commitment to this iconic number, last worn by Larry Ogunjobi from 2022 to 2024. Harmon’s selection is a powerful statement of intent, signifying his readiness to embrace the legacy of Steelers defensive linemen. The number 99 is synonymous with toughness and leadership, and Harmon’s decision reinforces his commitment to these qualities.