Isaiahh Loudermilk Bio
Isaiahh Loudermilk is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 10, 1997, in Howard, Kansas, Loudermilk attended West Elk High School before playing college football at the University of Wisconsin from 2016 to 2020. The Steelers selected him in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. Through his first four seasons with Pittsburgh, Loudermilk emerged as a reliable rotational player on the defensive line, contributing to a unit that reached the playoffs twice. Off the field, he married Emily Borgmann in 2025 after becoming engaged in July 2023.
Early Life and Background
Loudermilk grew up in Howard, Kansas, where he attended West Elk High School. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) and weighing 293 pounds (133 kilograms) even during his high school years, Loudermilk possessed the physical frame that would eventually make him a compelling prospect at the collegiate level. His size and athleticism made him a force along the defensive line during his formative playing years in Kansas.
After high school, Loudermilk stayed in the Midwest to continue his football career, choosing to play for the Wisconsin Badgers. His early development at Wisconsin would set the foundation for his eventual transition to professional football.
Path to American Football
Loudermilk joined the Wisconsin Badgers in 2016 as a freshman. He redshirted his first season, using that year to adapt to the college level and develop his skills within Wisconsin’s disciplined defensive system. The following year, he began contributing meaningfully to the Badgers’ defense, appearing in 11 games and helping the team achieve a remarkable 13-1 record that culminated with a victory in the 2017 Orange Bowl.
In April 2018, Loudermilk underwent surgery on his left knee, an injury that caused him to miss four games during the 2018 season. Despite the setback, he returned to play nine games that year. His perseverance through rehabilitation demonstrated the resilience that would serve him well in his professional career. By 2019, he had fully recovered and became a more integral part of Wisconsin’s defensive scheme.
Isaiahh Loudermilk Career
College Career (2016–2020)
Loudermilk’s redshirt freshman season in 2017 proved he could compete at the Big Ten level, as he contributed to a defense that carried the Badgers to their impressive record and Orange Bowl triumph. The experience gained during that championship run proved invaluable for his development as a future professional.
The 2019 season marked Loudermilk’s emergence as a playmaker. He recorded one sack and one forced fumble in the Big Ten Football Championship Game against Ohio State, showcasing his ability to make crucial plays in high-pressure situations. Though the Badgers fell to the Buckeyes, Loudermilk’s performance signaled his readiness for the next level.
His senior season in 2020 proved to be his best at Wisconsin. Loudermilk earned Third-team All-Big Ten honors while finishing his college career with 63 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. His consistent production and physical tools made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers Breakthrough (2021–Present)
The Steelers selected Loudermilk in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, signaling their confidence in his potential. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 15, 2021, officially beginning his professional career with the organization.
Loudermilk’s rookie season delivered unexpected opportunities. Significant injuries to starting defensive linemen Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu opened playing time for the rookie. He appeared in 17 of the Steelers’ 18 games, including the postseason, recording 23 tackles (16 solo), three passes defended, and one sack while playing 29 percent of the defensive snaps. His performance drew comparisons to veteran Cameron Heyward, establishing him as a promising piece for Pittsburgh’s future.
The 2022 season saw Loudermilk appear in 11 games, recording eight combined tackles. His 2023 campaign brought increased opportunities, with Loudermilk playing in 16 regular-season games and compiling 13 tackles with two passes defended. He appeared in his second career postseason game as the Steelers fell to the Bills in the Wildcard round. In 2024, Loudermilk recorded his career-high of two tackles in a single game during Pittsburgh’s 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2021–Present)
On March 18, 2025, the Steelers re-signed Loudermilk to a one-year contract, indicating the team’s continued belief in his contributions to the defensive line rotation. The deal reflected his established role as a reliable depth player who could step in when needed. However, the 2025 season took an unfortunate turn when Loudermilk was placed on injured reserve on September 17 due to a high ankle sprain, ending his season early.
Driving Style and Strengths
Loudermilk’s 6-foot-7 frame provides him with exceptional length that disrupts passing lanes and creates problems for opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen. His physicality at the point of attack allows him to hold ground against the run while his quickness off the ball enables him to pressure the quarterback. His versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive line increases his value to defensive coordinators seeking lineup flexibility.
Notable Events and Milestones
Loudermilk’s rookie-season playoff appearance stands as a significant early milestone, as he contributed to Steelers postseason football just months after being drafted. His performance during that playoff run against the Kansas City Chiefs demonstrated his ability to handle playoff intensity. His career-high two-tackle performance against the Chargers in 2024 represented his most productive single-game statistical output to that point.
Isaiahh Loudermilk Career Wins
Through the 2025 season, Loudermilk has accumulated modest but consistent production across four NFL seasons with the Steelers, appearing in playoff games during both his rookie year and the 2023 season.
NFL Highlights
Loudermilk has appeared in 44 regular-season games through 2025, recording 63 tackles, one sack, and six pass deflections. His sole career sack came during his rookie season of 2021. The 2024 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers marked one of his most notable performances, matching his career-high tackle total in that contest. His contributions helped the Steelers qualify for the postseason twice in his first four seasons.
College Achievements
Prior to his NFL career, Loudermilk was a key contributor for Wisconsin’s defense, most notably earning Third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020. His performance in the 2017 Orange Bowl victory over Miami represented a championship-level achievement at the college level, while his 2019 Big Ten Championship Game showing against Ohio State demonstrated his ability to perform in marquee matchups.
| Competition Level | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season | 44 | 63 | 1 | 6 |
| College (Wisconsin) | 47 | 63 | 7.5 | — |
Isaiahh Loudermilk Family
Family Background
Loudermilk was born and raised in Howard, Kansas, by parents whose support helped him pursue his football dreams from a young age. His exceptional physical attributes, including his 6-foot-7 frame, suggested early on that he possessed the tools necessary to play at the highest levels of the sport.
Personal Life
Loudermilk became engaged to Emily Borgmann in July 2023. The couple subsequently married in 2025. Loudermilk maintains a presence in both his home state of Kansas and in Pittsburgh, where he has built his professional career over four-plus seasons.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Loudermilk re-signing with the Steelers on March 18, confirming his continued role in the team’s defensive line rotation for the upcoming campaign. The one-year contract represented a vote of confidence from the organization despite his limited statistical output in previous seasons. Working under Pittsburgh’s new coaching staff, Loudermilk competed for increased playing time along the defensive front.
Unfortunately, the season took a significant turn when Loudermilk suffered a high ankle sprain that required him to be placed on injured reserve on September 17, 2025. The injury ended his season before it fully developed, denying him the opportunity to build on his previous campaign. The setback represented an unfortunate chapter in his career, as he had looked to establish a more consistent role within the Steelers’ defense.
As Loudermilk recovers from his injury, the Steelers will look for him to return to full health for future seasons. His ability to contribute across multiple defensive line positions and his experience in a playoff-caliber defense remain valuable assets as he works toward a return to the field.