This time last season, despite coming off an ACC championship, Action Network’s Brett McMurphy did not rank Pitt in his way-too-early 2023 Top 25 poll.
He’s changed his tune this time around.
McMurphy’s way-too-early poll features Pitt ranked at No. 22, checking in as the fourth-ranked ACC squad behind Florida State (4), Clemson (9) and Louisville (20).
Pitt is coming off a Sun Bowl win over No. 18 UCLA (a UCLA team ranked at 24 in McMurphy’s poll next season) to conclude a 9-4 season. A 4-4 start to the season saw Pitt’s early ranked status disappear, but with a 5-0 finish to the season, it’s almost guaranteed that Pitt will finish the season ranked.
There are some questions to be answered next season, notably on the defensive side of the football, but Pitt has already utilized the transfer portal well.
Boston College transfer Phil Jurkovec and Penn State transfer will compete for the starting quarterback spot, Rodney Hammond Jr. will take the next step forward as the starting running back and the wide receiver’s room is in the process of being revamped.
Charlie Partridge’s task will be to replace some major losses on the defensive line, but the youth in the room is more than up for the challenge. The linebackers and defensive backs will also promote from within, youthful options stepping into the starting lineup — along with a transfer like Donovan McMillion.
And Pitt will continue to add to the roster through the transfer portal, with visitors in Pittsburgh this weekend across multiple position groups.
With 20 wins over the last two seasons, the most since the early 1980s, Pitt has reached stability that will likely ensure back-to-back seasons. Being featured in a way-too-early poll doesn’t really mean much, but it is a sign of continued progress and recognition.
McMurphy’s poll features a Top 5 of Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Florida State and Ohio State. The only surprise there is FSU, which is… interesting. LSU, Penn State, Washington, Clemson and Oregon round out the Top 10.
Iam not sold on Florida being that good just yet…
You are correct, Florida isn’t that good yet. Florida State on the other hand is very good and well ahead of what most people thought it would take Norvell to bring in his players to fit his system/culture.
I agree. But it’s Norvell I’m not sold on. I believe he’s one of Fraud Grahams guys. Tho he seems to be turning FSU around.
Yes, He was Fraud Graham’s deputy, and FSU has low academic expectations. They are idiots!
No one pollster can make a perfect preseason poll. End of story!
But it’s a nice job if you can get it. 🙂
I saw that Michigan and Ohio State poll in front of PSU. Now, that one is true. Why? PSU is a soda jerk college and it’s fans till worship Jerry and Joe. Let’s hope they get into more trouble with the NCAA. Can you imagine how funny that would be.
little brother so jealous. “Can you imagine how funny that would be”. Haha…maybe the NCAA would have them work out with their strength coach for a few more hours as punishment like duzz does for women beaters.
PSU ranked in top 10 and they will probably finish higher than OSU or UM next year. Loaded team. pitt will be lucky to get 6 wins next year, but it is the acc/jv football so they might get 8 wins which typically excites pitt fans.
PSU, Michigan and OSU are legit top 10 teams going into next year. PSU has a lot of talent, too. You are correct. Looking at Pitts schedule and what they have returning they will win 9 games again. One other thought the ACC and the Big 10 both finished 5-4 in bowl games. Other than the big 3 listed above the Big 10 middle is soft. The ACC and Big 10 is much closer than you think in conference depth.
Good to hear from you Ed. Yes, wins in the Fenway Bowl or Cheez-It Bowl are impressive. MAC went 4-2 in bowls..
On another note Eddie Rose, since I won the poster of the year here for 2022 I wanted to know if you wanted to present my award to me at the banquet in the Larimer area?
Never received my ballot for that contest…I’m claiming voter fraud!
Must be self proclaimed, and he’s obviously a big fan giving himself a participation trophy!
Yes, you’re probably right…but if the ceremony is being held at East End Brewing in Larimer, I’m hoping for an invite.
Of course you are invited!
Why would you say it’s self proclaimed Sherlock?
I’m hoping pitt is ranked in the final 22 poll