Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Interior Offensive Linemen

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter training camp with far more stability along the interior offensive line than they have enjoyed in recent seasons. After investing heavily in the offensive line over the last few NFL Drafts, Pittsburgh now has a young core expected to anchor the offense for years to come.

Second-year center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick are firmly entrenched as starters, while Spencer Anderson, Brock Hoffman, and Gennings Dunker will compete for valuable depth roles. With veteran offensive line coach James Campen taking over the group, training camp will be the first opportunity to see how quickly this unit develops heading into the 2026 season.

Zach Frazier

Frazier enters training camp as one of the Steelers’ most important building blocks after an impressive first two NFL seasons. Originally expected to back up Nate Herbig as a rookie in 2024, Frazier was thrust into the starting lineup before Week 1 following Herbig’s season-ending preseason injury and never looked back.

The former West Virginia standout started 15 games as a rookie despite missing time with an ankle injury, allowing just one sack while earning the Steelers’ Offensive Rookie of the Year award, PFWA All-Rookie Team honors, and the Joe Greene Great Performance Award. His poise, intelligence, and physicality immediately gave Pittsburgh stability at the center position.

Entering 2025, Frazier experienced a few early growing pains while building chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers during training camp, but those issues quickly disappeared. He opened the season with one of the league’s highest-graded performances at center and continued establishing himself as one of the NFL’s rising stars at the position.

What to watch: Frazier already looks like Pittsburgh’s long-term answer in the middle of the offensive line. This summer, watch for him to take another step as both the leader of the unit and one of the AFC’s premier centers.

Mason McCormick

McCormick enters training camp looking to build on an encouraging start to his NFL career after becoming a full-time starter much sooner than expected. Selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the former South Dakota State standout opened his rookie season as a reserve before injuries along the offensive line created an opportunity.

McCormick stepped into the starting lineup in Week 4 and never looked overwhelmed by the jump to the NFL. He appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, making 14 starts while gaining valuable experience against some of the league’s top defensive fronts. By his second season, he had cemented himself as Pittsburgh’s starting left guard, starting every game in 2025 and continuing to grow alongside Zach Frazier on the interior.

While there is still room for technical improvement, McCormick has already demonstrated the toughness and durability the Steelers value. Another offseason working with offensive line coach James Campen could help unlock the next stage of his development.

What to watch: McCormick has the starting job, but now the focus shifts to consistency. If he takes another step as both a run blocker and pass protector, the Steelers could have one of the NFL’s better young interior offensive line duos for years to come.

Spencer Anderson

Anderson has quietly developed into one of the Steelers’ most valuable depth pieces thanks to his versatility and dependability. A seventh-round pick in 2023, he spent his rookie season learning the offense while appearing in eight games before making his postseason debut in the AFC Wild Card round.

His role expanded significantly in 2024. Anderson earned his first career start in the season opener and ultimately appeared in all 17 regular season games, making four starts before transitioning into a valuable rotational role once Mason McCormick claimed the starting left guard position.

Whether called upon at guard or tackle, Anderson proved capable of stepping in whenever injuries created opportunities.

That flexibility gives the Steelers valuable insurance across the offensive line. While he isn’t projected to open camp as a starter, Anderson has earned the coaching staff’s trust and should once again be among the first players called upon if injuries strike.

What to watch: While Anderson’s versatility is his biggest strength, it will also be interesting to see if he continues to be a sixth offensive lineman added to “jumbo” packages, which were prevalent during former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith‘s time in Pittsburgh.

Brock Hoffman

One of the Steelers’ more intriguing offseason additions, Hoffman arrives in Pittsburgh after spending the previous four seasons with the Browns and Cowboys organizations. Although he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, he steadily worked his way from practice squads into a valuable reserve role in Dallas, earning starts at both guard and center.

Hoffman’s biggest opportunity came late in the 2024 season when injuries forced him into the starting lineup. He started the Cowboys’ final seven games, filling in for future Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin while also sliding over to center when needed. His versatility and physical style helped stabilize Dallas’ offensive line during a difficult stretch, and his experience made him an attractive addition for Pittsburgh this offseason.

Now entering his first training camp with the Steelers, Hoffman gives the coaching staff another experienced interior lineman capable of backing up multiple positions. That versatility should put him squarely in the competition for one of the primary reserve roles.

What to watch: Hoffman’s ability to play both guard and center makes him a strong candidate for a game-day roster spot. A solid training camp could quickly establish him as one of Pittsburgh’s top interior backups. He could also push to start over Anderson or rookie, Gennings Dunker.

Gennings Dunker

Dunker enters his first NFL training camp after the Steelers selected the former Iowa standout in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

A late bloomer in college, Dunker developed into one of the Big Ten’s top offensive linemen, making 38 career starts and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors during his senior season while helping Iowa capture the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s top offensive line.

Although he primarily played tackle in college, the Steelers will explore moving Dunker inside to guard, as they determine where he best fits at the professional level.

His size, physicality, and experience in a pro-style offense make him an intriguing developmental prospect with the potential to contribute sooner rather than later.

What to watch: How quickly Dunker adapts to the speed and technique of the NFL. If he shows versatility and consistency throughout camp, he could force his way into the conversation for immediate playing time as a rookie.

Others

The Steelers also bring several additional interior offensive linemen to Latrobe who will compete for depth roles and practice squad opportunities.

Two centers, Greg Crippen and Ryan McCollum, will join a few other “to be determined” offensive lineman in camp: Doug Nester and Lorenzo Thompson, along with Steven Jones, who unlike the previous two players, is listed solely as a guard on the current roster.