Pittsburgh Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl attended the Texas-Ole Miss game in Austin on Oct. 24 to evaluate quarterbacks Arch Manning and Trinidad Chambliss, according to a report from 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi.
Fillipponi said Tuesday that Weidl, who helps put together the team’s draft board, made the trip for scouting purposes. He also indicated the Steelers have shown interest in one of the two passers.
“The Steelers have allegedly shown early draft interest in Chambliss,” Fillipponi wrote.
Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders reported Saturday that two team representatives were in Austin for the matchup, though his account did not identify Weidl by name.
Texas defeated Ole Miss 34-27 after giving up a 21-point lead. The Longhorns built a 24-3 advantage at halftime before the Rebels mounted a comeback that tied the score at 24.
Manning completed 18 of 30 passes for 212 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He added two rushing touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter that helped Texas hold on.
Chambliss finished 25 of 52 for 250 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Both of his scoring throws came in the second half as Ole Miss erased the large deficit before Texas pulled away for the win.
Through seven games this season, Chambliss has thrown for 1,926 yards with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 63.7 percent of his passes. The senior has also rushed for 134 yards and six scores.
Manning has passed for 1,507 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 63.3 percent completions in seven starts. The Texas senior has added 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Aaron Rodgers has said the current campaign will be his final season in the NFL. Pittsburgh sits at 5-2 after winning three straight games, a mark that could affect the team’s draft position if the success continues.
The Steelers selected Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 draft and Drew Allar in the third round this past spring. Neither has locked down the starting job for the long term.
In an Oct. 22 mailbag for The Athletic, Mike DeFabo suggested the organization might favor an experienced college quarterback if it pursues a first-round pick at the position.
“They seem to like more experienced college QBs, which makes Ole Miss senior Trinidad Chambliss a player to circle, even this early in the process,” DeFabo wrote.
Weidl oversees organization of the draft board that shapes Pittsburgh’s selections. The Austin visit follows an earlier scouting trip by the assistant general manager to watch another quarterback prospect, Drew Mestemaker, in September.
Saturday’s game offered the Steelers a direct look at Manning’s late response and Chambliss’ comeback effort amid five combined interceptions. Those performances add detail to Pittsburgh’s review of a draft class that could shape the next starting quarterback.
