Former Ohio State Football Linebacker Malik Harrison Finds New NFL Home with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Malik Harrison, a former standout linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has officially found a new home in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a successful career at Ohio State, Harrison’s transition to the professional level has been met with significant interest, and now, with the Steelers, he has a new opportunity to prove himself as a key contributor on a talented defense.
Harrison’s journey from Ohio State to the NFL has been a story of hard work, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to his craft. Let’s take a closer look at Harrison’s path to Pittsburgh and what he brings to the Steelers as they look to continue their defensive dominance in the NFL.
Malik Harrison’s Ohio State Career: A Standout Linebacker
Malik Harrison’s college football career at Ohio State was defined by his consistency, leadership, and versatility as a linebacker. He played for the Buckeyes from 2016 to 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the top defensive players in the Big Ten.
During his time at Ohio State, Harrison was known for his physicality, athleticism, and football IQ. He played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ defense, showcasing his ability to read offenses, make crucial tackles, and lead by example. Harrison’s skill set was particularly evident in his ability to be a sideline-to-sideline presence, making plays both in the run game and in coverage.
Harrison’s most productive season came in 2019, when he recorded 75 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He was instrumental in Ohio State’s dominant defense, which helped the Buckeyes reach the College Football Playoff. His impressive performances throughout his college career earned him numerous accolades, including All-Big Ten honors and a reputation as one of the top linebackers in the nation.
Perhaps what set Harrison apart most during his time at Ohio State was his ability to make plays when it mattered most. Whether it was a critical stop on third down, a forced fumble, or a key interception, Harrison consistently stepped up in big moments. His leadership both on and off the field made him a respected figure within the Ohio State football program, and he played a key role in the Buckeyes’ success during his tenure.
Malik Harrison’s NFL Draft Journey
After his standout career at Ohio State, Harrison declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round (No. 98 overall). His draft selection was a testament to his talent, hard work, and potential at the professional level. The Ravens were thrilled to add Harrison to their defense, which was known for its aggressive and hard-hitting style of play.
In his first season with the Ravens, Harrison was a contributor on defense and special teams. Although he didn’t start immediately, his versatility and ability to make an impact in various roles were evident. Over the course of his career in Baltimore, Harrison showed flashes of his potential, including a notable interception in a win over the Cleveland Browns. However, despite his talent, Harrison’s role on the team was somewhat limited, and he had to battle for playing time in a deep and competitive linebacker group.
Harrison’s Transition to the Pittsburgh Steelers
In 2025, after a few seasons with the Ravens, Harrison’s career took a new turn as he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move was a significant one for both Harrison and the Steelers, as Pittsburgh looked to bolster its linebacker corps and bring in a player with Harrison’s size, speed, and experience. The Steelers have long been known for their strong defense, and adding a player like Harrison—who has a history of making plays at key moments—was seen as an important move to continue the team’s defensive dominance.
For Harrison, the trade to Pittsburgh represents a fresh start and an opportunity to prove himself in a new system. The Steelers have a rich history of success on defense, and Harrison will be expected to contribute to that tradition. The Steelers’ defense is known for its hard-nosed, physical style of play, and Harrison’s skills as a versatile linebacker fit perfectly with Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme.
What Malik Harrison Brings to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Harrison’s arrival in Pittsburgh adds depth and talent to an already strong defense. As a linebacker, he brings a well-rounded skill set that will be valuable in multiple facets of the game. His combination of size (6’3″, 247 pounds) and athleticism allows him to excel in both the run game and pass coverage. He has the ability to take on blockers, make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage, and cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game.
One of Harrison’s biggest strengths is his ability to read offenses and react quickly. His football IQ, which was developed during his time at Ohio State, allows him to anticipate plays and put himself in the right position. Whether it’s diagnosing a run play or reading the quarterback’s eyes, Harrison is a linebacker who can quickly make decisions and execute them effectively.
Harrison’s versatility is also a major asset. While he played primarily as an inside linebacker during his time with the Ravens, he is capable of playing multiple positions in the Steelers’ defense, including outside linebacker. His ability to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and make plays in the open field gives defensive coordinator Teryl Austin a lot of flexibility in how he uses Harrison.
Additionally, Harrison’s leadership and experience will be invaluable to the Steelers’ defense. As a former captain at Ohio State and a player who has spent time in the NFL, Harrison has the maturity and poise to step into a leadership role if needed. His ability to communicate with teammates, set the defense, and make adjustments during the game will be important for a Steelers team looking to maintain its high standards on defense.
Impact on the Steelers’ Defense
The Steelers have a longstanding reputation for fielding one of the toughest and most physically dominant defenses in the NFL. With Harrison now in the fold, Pittsburgh strengthens its linebacker group, which already includes stars like T.J. Watt and Devin Bush. Harrison’s addition gives the Steelers more flexibility in how they deploy their linebackers, allowing them to mix up their schemes and create mismatches against opposing offenses.
Harrison’s ability to be a difference-maker in the run game and in pass coverage adds to the Steelers’ already stacked defensive roster. His presence on the field will allow Pittsburgh to maintain its aggressive style of play while adding depth and versatility to an already formidable unit. Harrison will likely see significant playing time in 2025, as he competes for a starting role and works to make an impact on one of the NFL’s most respected defenses.