Mason McCormick Bio
Mason McCormick is an American professional football guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. McCormick has established himself as a reliable presence on the offensive line, appearing in 26 games with 23 starts through his first two professional seasons. He was recognized as a dominant collegiate lineman, earning first-team FCS All-American honors in both 2022 and 2023 while helping South Dakota State capture back-to-back national championships.
Early Life and Background
Mason McCormick was born on May 25, 2000, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. He attended Roosevelt High School in his hometown, where he excelled in both football and track and field. As a senior, McCormick earned first-team all-state honors in football and was recognized as an Argus-Leader Elite 45 selection, demonstrating his status as one of the top athletes in South Dakota. During his high school career, he played primarily as an offensive guard but also saw time at all offensive line positions, showcasing his versatility and adaptability along the line.
Despite his success at Roosevelt High School, McCormick entered college as a zero-star prospect. He was not heavily recruited by major programs, which made his eventual rise to professional football even more remarkable. McCormick ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic career at the nearby South Dakota State University, committing to play for the Jackrabbits program.
Path to Professional Football
McCormick began his collegiate career at South Dakota State in 2018, appearing in three games as a true freshman before taking a redshirt season. The following year, he played in the final 12 games of the season with two starts near the end, providing early glimpses of his potential. His development accelerated during the spring 2021 season, which was postponed from the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That spring, McCormick started all 10 games and helped lead South Dakota State to the national championship game while earning all-conference and All-America recognition. He was named team captain for the 2021 season and started all 15 games at left guard, receiving second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors for the second consecutive year while also earning All-American recognition. McCormick’s leadership and consistency caught the attention of scouts as he prepared to make his transition to the professional level.
Mason McCormick Career
South Dakota State Jackrabbits (2018–2023)
McCormick emerged as one of the top offensive linemen in the Football Championship Subdivision during his collegiate career. In the 2022 season, he started all 15 games and was named a first-team All-MVFC selection and consensus All-American, playing a pivotal role in helping South Dakota State win its first national championship. He was recognized six times as offensive lineman of the week and received the Adam Timmerman Award as co-offensive most valuable player at the program.
For his final season in 2023, McCormick returned to lead the Jackrabbits offensive line and helped the team repeat as national champions. He started all 15 games once again, earning first-team All-MVFC and first-team All-American honors for the second straight year. By the conclusion of his collegiate career, McCormick had started 57 consecutive games, demonstrating exceptional durability and consistency. He was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl and participated in the NFL Scouting Combine, further solidifying his draft stock.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024–Present)
McCormick was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round with the 119th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2024 season during the Steelers’ victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Following injuries to Isaac Seumalo and Troy Fautanu, McCormick earned his first professional start in Week 4’s 27–24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, stepping into a significant role earlier than anticipated for a rookie.
At the conclusion of the 2024 regular season, McCormick played in all 17 games with 14 starts at guard. He finished the season with a Pro Football Focus grade of 57.7 overall, ranking 87th among 136 qualifying guards in the league. His pass-blocking grade of 63.2 and run-blocking grade of 53.7 indicated areas for growth while showing his ability to protect the quarterback. He logged 936 offensive snaps, ranking 42nd in the league among interior linemen. McCormick and the Steelers concluded their season with a 28–14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card round on January 11, 2025.
In 2025, McCormick continued his development as a full-time starter. He played all 58 offensive snaps in the Steelers’ Week 1 victory over the New York Jets and earned a PFF grade of 63.6, placing him among the team’s top ten performers that week. McCormick started all 17 games of the 2025 regular season, establishing himself as a consistent contributor on the Steelers offensive line.
Playing Style and Strengths
McCormick brings size and experience to the guard position, listed at 6 feet 5 inches and 315 pounds. His 57 consecutive starts at South Dakota State demonstrated exceptional durability and football intelligence. He excels at maintaining blocks in both the running and passing game, with the versatility to play multiple positions along the offensive line. His background in a competitive FCS program that reached two national championships prepared him for the physical demands of the NFL.
Notable Events and Milestones
McCormick’s professional milestones include being drafted by the historic Pittsburgh Steelers organization in 2024, earning his first NFL start in Week 4 of his rookie season, and contributing to a Steelers team that reached the AFC Wild Card round. On a personal note, McCormick became engaged to Addison Hirschman in May 2025. Hirschman previously played basketball at South Dakota State, sharing the same university where McCormick built his collegiate reputation.
Mason McCormick Career Wins
McCormick accumulated significant team success during his collegiate career at South Dakota State before beginning his professional journey with the Steelers.
College Highlights
At the FCS level, McCormick was a two-time FCS national champion, helping South Dakota State capture championships in both 2022 and 2023. He was a two-time first-team FCS All-American and two-time first-team All-MVFC selection. Additionally, he earned second-team FCS All-American and second-team All-MVFC honors in both 2020 and 2021, making him one of the most decorated offensive linemen in Missouri Valley Football Conference history. His 57 consecutive starts marked a program record for offensive linemen.
Professional Performance
Through his first two professional seasons, McCormick has appeared in 26 games with 23 starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started all 17 games in both the 2024 and 2025 regular seasons, demonstrating the durability that characterized his collegiate career. He contributed to a Steelers offense that qualified for the postseason in 2024.
Mason McCormick Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
No specific family background information is publicly available regarding Mason McCormick’s parents or any racing lineage. McCormick grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he attended Roosevelt High School and developed his football skills before embarking on his collegiate and professional career.
Personal Life
In May 2025, McCormick became engaged to Addison Hirschman. Hirschman previously played basketball at South Dakota State University, representing the same institution where McCormick built his collegiate football career. The couple shared their announcement in May 2025, marking a significant personal milestone in McCormick’s life alongside his developing professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked McCormick’s second year with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his first full season as an established starter from training camp. After being thrust into early action during his rookie year due to injuries, McCormick entered 2025 with the opportunity to solidify his role as the starting left guard. He started all 17 regular-season games, continuing the consecutive-start streak that defined his collegiate career.
Throughout the season, McCormick built chemistry with his offensive line teammates and coaching staff, developing consistency in both run and pass blocking. His Week 1 performance against the New York Jets, where he played all 58 offensive snaps and earned a top-ten PFF grade on the team, set a positive tone for the season. The Steelers relied on their offensive line to protect their quarterback and establish the running game as they competed for positioning in the AFC playoff picture.
Looking ahead, McCormick appears positioned to remain a key component of the Steelers’ offensive line for years to come. His combination of size, experience from back-to-back national championships, and durability makes him a valuable asset as the team builds around its core players. The 2025 season served as a foundation for continued growth, with McCormick expected to refine his technique and consistency as he gains more experience at the professional level.