Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins (10) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) during an NFL football game on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

PITTSBURGH — Marshall-native Yahya Black capped off a successful rookie season as a defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday night. The 2020 Marshall graduate was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft, 164th overall, by the Steelers.

In his final game of the season, Black recovered a fumble in the first quarter of the Steelers’ wildcard round playoff game against the Houston Texans. The turnover set up the Steelers at the Pittsburgh 44-yard line, resulting in a go-ahead field goal for the Steelers. Still, Houston defeated Pittsburgh 30-6 behind 23 fourth-quarter points.

Over the course of his debut NFL season, Black logged 28 combined tackles with a QB hit. He also forced two fumbles, recovered one and deflected a pass.

Black had his biggest game of the season in week 13 against the Buffalo Bills, in which he recorded season-highs with nine combined and four solo tackles. He also forced a fumble.

While the Steelers lost to Buffalo, the effort was enough to earn Black a start in each of the next two games. Black started a total of three games over the course of his rookie season.

The Athletic’s All-Rookie team, which had two starting spots for interior defensive linemen, listed Black as an honorable mention.

Black was the Steelers’ second-string nose tackle this season. The first-stringer, Keeanu Benton, is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Also on the defensive line, 37-year-old Cameron Heyward is a free agent this offseason, potentially opening up starting reps for Black.

The Steelers finished the season as AFC North Champions with a 10-7 overall and 6-3 division record, earning the fourth seed in the AFC playoffs.

The Independent reached out to Black for comment but has not received a response at the time of print.