Gabriel Rubio

Gabriel Francis Rubio (born July 9, 2003) is an American professional football defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Early life Rubio grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and attended Lutheran High School of St. Charles County, where he emerged as one of the top defensive linemen in the Midwest. He was rated a four-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN, ranking as high as the No. 9 defensive tackle nationally and the No. 2 overall player in Missouri. He recorded 117 tackles, 46 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks as a junior, and earned Second Team All-Missouri honors from MaxPreps in 2019.

College career Rubio made his collegiate debut in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State, recording one tackle. In 2023, Rubio played in nine games and totaled 11 tackles. He recorded a pass breakup against USC that resulted in an interception, and forced a late fumble at Clemson. Rubio missed the first five games of the 2024 season after fracturing his foot on the first day of preseason camp. He recorded 24 tackles, including 12 solo, and registered his first career sack at USC. He was selected to the Hispanic College Football Player of the Year watchlist ahead of the 2025 season. After playing in six games, including five starts, Rubio injured his left elbow, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.

Statistics Year Team GP Tackles Interceptions Fumbles Total Solo Ast Sack PD Int Yds TD FF FR TD 2021 Notre Dame 1 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2022 Notre Dame 12 17 6 11 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2023 Notre Dame 9 11 4 7 0.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2024 Notre Dame 11 24 12 12 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2025 Notre Dame 6 13 5 8 0.5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 39 66 27 39 1.5 3 0 0 0 1 0 0

Professional career

Rubio was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 6th round with the 210th pick of the 2026 NFL draft.

Personal life Rubio's father Angel was a three-time All-American as a defensive end at Southeast Missouri State. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998 and played two seasons in the NFL.