Pitt Defensive Back Buddy Mack III to Return in 2024

Buddy Mack II is one of 11 Pitt senior players who have an additional season of athletic eligibility and chose not to walk on Senior Night last Thursday against Boston College.

While a player choosing not to walk is not a guarantee that he will return, most times it’s a strong possibility. And that’s the case when it comes to Mack as he’s told Pittsburgh Sports Now that he plans on returning to play the 2024 season with the Panthers.

This season, the 6-foot-1, 200-pounder from Greer, South Carolina made the switch back to safety and has played primarily as a special teamer — taking 10 defensive snaps against Notre Dame.

Mack played in four games in 2022, mostly on special teams, as he was tested at linebacker. He played in 22 games, once again on special teams and at safety, the position he was originally recruited to Pitt to play over the prior two seasons. He recorded 18 total tackles, including a career-high five against New Hampshire, over that span.

Mack was a member of Pitt’s class of 2020 when he was recruited by both Archie Collins and Cory Sanders. He originally committed to Charlotte, before opening up his recruitment right before National Signing Day and committing to the Panthers. Mack was a three-star recruit, holding offers from West Virginia, Indiana, Air Force, Army, Coastal Carolina, Colorado State, Liberty, Memphis, Miami Ohio, Navy, Old Dominion and Temple.

In his last season of eligibility, Mack will continue to spend time as a special teamer and occasional reserve safety.