The Steelers released their 2026 schedule on Thursday night, and for those in the locker room at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex that means one thing.
Football is on the horizon.
While OTAs (organized team activities) start for the players on Monday, the schedule release is another indication of what is to come.
“I get excited for the schedule release,” said tight end Pat Freiermuth. “It’s when you start figuring out your path to victory. It’s been cool to experience it over the years. But it’s still a long way until September when we play.”
Receiver Ben Skowronek doesn’t key in on where the team is playing each week, he simply knows he just has to show up ready to go on game day.
“It is definitely great playing at home, but it doesn’t really matter where we play to me,” said Skowronek. “As far as travel-wise and everything, it’s definitely easier to play at home. Home games are home games, and away games are away games. I don’t really know when they are within the schedule. I just know when a plane leaves or when I need to show up at Acrisure Stadium.”
On the schedule this year are four primetime matchups, including one at Acrisure Stadium. Being under the bright lights is something many players enjoy.
“I like playing at night,” said Skowronek. “I don’t know why I’ve always liked it. It reminds me of Friday Night Lights in high school. In the NFL it gives an opportunity for your peers to watch.
“It’s just a lot of fun. The environment’s always good. Those games are always circled on the schedule for me.”
And in addition to the primetime games, the Steelers will also play a home game on Black Friday against the Denver Broncos.
“It’s been a blessing to be in Pittsburgh with the fans because every time we play a huge game, they’re going to show out,” said Freiermuth. “Having primetime games in front of our fans, and even going on the road, it’s electric. It’s cool to experience different stadiums atmospheres for primetime games.
“And Black Friday, honestly, I had to ask my fiancé, Jillian, when Black Friday is. I didn’t know it was the day after Thanksgiving. I don’t shop. It’s similar, though, to playing on Christmas, which was a special, meaningful game. Playing at home, and on Black Friday, is going to be cool.”
The Steelers open the season at home against the Atlanta Falcons, a game that has a little bit of extra meaning for safety DeShon Elliott.
“My first year here, our first game of the season was against Atlanta,” said Elliott of the 2024 game the Steelers won, 18-10. “My first career pick as a Steeler was in that Atlanta game. Hopefully I can do that again.
“I think we have some of the best fans in the world, so of course, being home for the first game is really cool as well.”
A trip to France to play in the 2026 NFL Paris game against the New Orleans Saints is another opportunity for players to experience a new culture.
“I’ve never been to Paris, so I’m excited,” said Skowronek. “Ireland was great last year. I look forward to these international games. You grow as a person, seeing the world. I didn’t really do that growing up much so it’s cool and a fun experience.”
The bye week hits in Week 9, a time for players to regroup and get set for the stretch run.
“I thought we were going to have the bye week right after Paris, but Cleveland is the following week,” said Elliott. “After eight weeks, it’s a great chance to refresh your body, refresh your brain, get away a little bit and be ready for that last stretch.”
The Steelers close out the season against the Baltimore Ravens for the second straight year. In 2025, the Steelers won the AFC North in the final game of the season, which came down to the Ravens missing a field goal at the end.
“We are always competing for the No. 1 spot in the AFC North, so anytime you can get those division games late in the year, it’s great,” said Freiermuth. “Hopefully you set yourself up early in the year for meaningful games late, which we have done in the past. Last year Baltimore game here, and we have to go to Baltimore this year. We have to wait and see what happens.”
