Pittsburgh Steelers hosts SMU defensive tackle Jared Harrison-Hunte

It’s not every day that a Mustangs standout gets serious NFL buzz, but defensive tackle Jared Harrison-Hunte is making that leap—and the Pittsburgh Steelers are taking notice. The Steelers hosted Harrison-Hunte on a top-30 visit at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, signaling real interest from a franchise known for developing defensive greatness.

Despite being slightly undersized by Steelers’ standards at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, Harrison-Hunte’s athletic testing at the NFL Combine was off the charts. A 4.86-second 40-yard dash puts him in the 95th percentile among defensive linemen, and his 9.20 Relative Athletic Score confirms what SMU fans already knew—this guy moves like a linebacker in a lineman’s frame. His agility times and explosive jumps only back that up, drawing serious attention from scouts seeking modern disruptors in the trenches.

After transferring from Miami, Harrison-Hunte found his stride with the Mustangs in 2024, posting career highs in nearly every category: 6.5 sacks, 42 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and even snagging his first career interception. His quick transition into a leader on SMU’s defensive line speaks volumes about his adaptability and work ethic—two traits Pittsburgh values highly.

The Steelers have brought in several Day 2-3 interior defensive linemen for visits, including Oregon’s Derrick Harmon and Ole Miss’ J.J. Pegues. But Harrison-Hunte offers something unique—elite athleticism paired with real production. If Pittsburgh is looking to refresh their defensive front with dynamic talent, Harrison-Hunte could be the kind of high-upside prospect they develop into a key rotational player—or more.

Whether or not Pittsburgh pulls the trigger, Harrison-Hunte’s pre-draft rise shows what Mustangs fans already believe: SMU can produce NFL-ready talent. With teams like the Steelers watching closely, the path from Dallas to the pros looks more promising than ever.

Stay locked in, Mustang Nation—your next Sunday star may be one draft call away.