The Pittsburgh Steelers have started off their preseason slate on a positive note, with the team jumping out to a 1-0 record to begin the preseason after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in a back and forth battle that saw the Steelers emerge victorious 31-25.
The game was far from perfect, although an eventual success for the Steelers. There were individual standouts while others were unable to make much of an impact.
Max Hurleman
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Max Hurleman
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage (6) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Max Hurleman (34)during the second quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
One such player who made a large impact was Max Hurleman. Hurleman was a walk-on at Notre Dame last year and was able to make a large impact on the Steelers success in their win. Hurleman caught two passes in the game, on back-to-back plays. The first pass brought the Steelers from the 29-yard line to the 3-yard line. The second was an out route, and Hurleman caught the touchdown pass from quarterback Skylar Thompson.
Ke'Shawn Williams
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams
Aug 9, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams (85) celebrates a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images / Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Another similar standout was UDFA Ke’Shawn Williams, who finished with 55 passing yards. He was on the receiving end of the Steelers final touchdown, catching a 26-yard pass from Thompson in order to help put the game out of reach for the Jaguars.
Mason Rudolph
Mason Rudolph also showed serious prowess at the quarterback position, completing 9 of 10 passing attempts for 84 yards and a touchdown. Thompson completed 20 of 28 for 233 yards and 3 passing touchdowns.
Kaleb Johnson
On the other hand, the run game was largely a non-factor. The Steelers had 301 passing yards to 66 rushing yards, and no rushing touchdowns compared to five passing touchdowns. Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson had 20 yards on 8 attempts.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) outpaces Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) who can’t
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) outpaces Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) who can’t make the tackle during the second quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The discipline also suffered for the Steelers with 60 penalty yards compared to the Jaguars 49. Both teams will need to clean up their discipline heading into the season, but the Steelers largely did not use their starters, whilst the Jaguars used them for parts of the game.
The Steelers will still have a good bit of time in order to get their affairs in order for this season, but their performance in their first preseason game has shown a possible depth that wasn’t there last season.
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