ASU’s Max Iheanachor Selected No. 21 Overall By Steelers

Max Iheanachor went from not playing football about six years ago to a NFL draft pick. 

On Thursday, the offensive lineman was selected by the Steelers with the No. 21 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-6, 330-pound lineman came to the United States from Nigeria at age 13. He had picked up soccer and basketball before his AAU coach had suggested he try out football. 

He went to East Los Angeles College before joining Arizona State in 2023. The Sun Devils offensive line coach Saga Tuitele had recruited Iheanachor when he coached at Fresno State and the two connected in Tempe.

While injuries led to him getting more playing time than anticipated in 2023, he rolled with the punches and became a mainstay along the offensive line the next two years for the Sun Devils. 

Iheanachor has been the subject of a few viral moments during his pre-draft process. He saw his stock skyrocket after a strong senior bowl performance.

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Max Iheanachor didn’t start playing football until Junior College.

Transferred to ASU after 2 seasons.

2025 did not allow a sack.

Standout performance at the Senior Bowl.

Elite athlete. Plays with an edge.

This is the player you want the Patriots to draft. pic.twitter.com/VLgJdBBhhy

— Foxboro Forever (@_FoxboroForever) April 17, 2026

Then, at his pro day, fans took notice of Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel getting some hands-on reps with Iheanachor.

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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel working one-on-one with Max Iheanachor.@DevilsDigest pic.twitter.com/3otECtxnc6

— Adam Beadle (@therealbeadle) March 27, 2026

Now, Iheanachor gets to take his talents to Pittsburgh as a NFL Draft pick.