SC #49

Sebastian Castro

Safety · Iowa

An Iowa hard-hitter who earned All-American buzz playing next to Cooper DeJean, now scrapping for a roster spot in Pittsburgh.

Sebastian Castro built his reputation in Iowa Hawkeyes black and gold as a downhill, box safety who thrives shedding blocks and finishing tackles. He went undrafted in 2025 but landed with the Steelers, and his path since has been a grind through waivers and practice squads that is common for defensive backs fighting for a foothold.

★ AP midseason All-American, 2023

★ Second-team All-Big Ten, 2023

★ Third-team All-Big Ten, 2024

Path to the league

Castro grew up outside Chicago in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and was recruited to Iowa as a dual-threat quarterback before making the full-time move to safety in 2021. He went undrafted out of the 2025 NFL Draft and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 26, 2025.

Career highlights

At Iowa, Castro earned AP midseason All-American recognition and second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023 playing alongside future first-round pick Cooper DeJean, then followed it with third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024. He returned his first career interception 30 yards for a touchdown against Iowa State that season and is regarded as a physical, high-motor tackler in run support.

2025 season recap

Castro's rookie year was defined by roster churn. He was waived to Pittsburgh's practice squad in late August, signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September, waived again in November, and then claimed back by the Steelers. He finished the season with three total tackles in limited action.