Pitt Depth Chart: Roster Recap Post Spring Transfer Portal Window

When the transfer portal closed on April 30, Pitt appeared to be in solid shape. When the additional 48 hours passed without a surprise portal entrance, it boded well for the Panthers.

Sure, Pitt lost a couple of would-be starters during the spring window, but how many schools didn’t? It’s a cold world. This isn’t an insult to Dayon Hayes or Solomon DeShields, but they’re not Jordan Addison. Pitt should be able to weather the storm, no matter how badly the Panthers would’ve liked to have either back.

Pitt only added one player in the spring window, a young, talented cornerback from Kentucky, but it likely won’t be the final addition. It’s a long offseason.

So, let’s look at how I think the current depth chart would shake out — well before the start of summer camp and any additional arrivals. Of course, this is subject to change.

Nate Yarnell (19) of the Pittsburgh Panthers April 13, 2024 David Hague/PSN

Quarterback

Nate Yarnell has been the No. 1 quarterback since the Duke loss last season, and he hasn’t done anything to lose that status. He was good over the spring. His 30-yard touchdown strike to Lamar Seymore in the spring game was crisp. Eli Holstein will push him in fall camp, but Yarnell is still the guy right now.

Running Back 

Desmond Reid turned some heads this spring — he turned mine — and he should be a nice complement to Rodney Hammond Jr. I just don’t know how the rotation will work yet.

Reid was a star at Western Carolina but wasn’t exactly a workhorse. I don’t know that Hammond will command the majority of carries, but he will be the lead back. He’s talented, but he’s never been called upon to be the No. 1 — whether that’s because of injuries, coaching malpractice or a bit of both.

Hammond, Reid and Derrick Davis Jr. form a solid trio, and Daniel Carter isn’t going anywhere.

Wide Receiver 

I think Pitt would like to add a wide receiver who can play immediately, but until that comes to fruition, the unit is pretty set. Konata Mumpfield is going to move around but likely spend some time outside. If Kenny Johnson makes the leap that many expect, watch out. Daejon Reynolds is a pretty sure handed wideout.

An up-tempo offense is going to require more rotation. Four wideouts received double-digit targets last season. That’s going to change.

Poppi Williams and Censere Lee are in the mix, the pillars of that second unit as it stands, and Zion Fowler-El and Lamar Seymore both had good spring camps.

Pittsburgh Panthers tight end Gavin Bartholomew (86) November 4, 2023 David Hague/PSN

Tight End 

Easy. Gavin Bartholomew is the starter, and Jake Overman will rotate in. Jake Renda can serve as a solid receiving threat, too.

Offensive Line 

Pitt will likely bank on an offseason of growth when it comes to the offensive line. Terrence Moore is the center, Branson Taylor and Ryan Baer will anchor the tackle spots and it seems like Ryan Jacoby will finally be able to slot into a guard spot — recovering fully from season-ending surgery.

BJ Williams filled in at guard as a true freshman last season, to mixed results, but he was forced into action before he was ready. He should be better with a full offseason under his belt. Jason Collier Jr. is also in the mix. The depth up front, admittedly, isn’t great. Or rather, there’s little experience.

Lyndon Cooper can play any of the interior spots, which is excellent for depth, but Tai Ray and Jackson Brown have very little experience between them. Terrence Enos Jr. doesn’t have much more.

Defensive Line 

Now here’s an interesting unit to project. I’m confident that Nate Matlack will start on the edge, but outside of him, I can’t pencil anyone in with any sort of certainty. Pitt would like to add another defensive end, but that may not happen.

Jimmy Scott flashed some potential in a limited role last season. David Ojiegbe and Sincere Edwards are new to the system, but I think the future is incredibly bright for both young edge rushers — especially Edwards. Look out for him. Bam Brima is a veteran who could play inside and outside.

I think Nakhi Johnson and Sean FitzSimmons did a good job in the spring, enough to carve out the starting spots, but Pitt likes to rotate. Nick James is new, but he’s certainly in the mix. It’s now or never for Elliot Donald; he may not have another chance to prove himself. Isaiah Neal leads the young defensive tackles, and I think he’d have more hype if he hadn’t missed much of the spring. Don’t count out Francis Brewu or Jahsear Whittington either.

Rasheem Biles (31) of the Pittsburgh Panthers April 13, 2024 David Hague/PSN

Linebacker 

Despite losing all three starters from last season, I feel really good about the Pitt linebackers.

Brandon George is a steadying presence inside, but Braylan Lovelace is the type of difference-maker who could push for a starting role this season. He’s an exciting player.

Kyle Louis and Jordan Bass should form a very exciting duo at Star, flashing an intriguing blend of size, speed and anticipation, and Rasheem Biles was one of the breakout stars of spring. Biles, who was a special teams starter last season, should benefit most from Solomon DeShields’ late exit. He looks ready.

Keye Thompson is still a wild card considering he missed most of the spring, but he’s going to offer a veteran presence at either Mike or Money.

Defensive Back

Safety might be the deepest unit on the roster. Pitt has three starters in Javon McIntyre, Donovan McMillon and P.J. O’Brien, all of whom showed an even better nose for the football over the spring, but Cruce Brookins was easily the star of spring.

Brookins earned praise from everybody — all spring long. He has the makings of a true star. He’s going to see the field — Jesse Anderson, too. The insane depth isn’t a bad issue to have.

The addition of Kentucky transfer Jaremiah Anglin Jr. over the weekend was key. Ryland Gandy was the only returning cornerback who seemed to be penciled into a starting spot, and while it will take some time for Anglin to learn the defense and adapt to the system, he’s a very talented corner. I’d bet he starts this season. Rashad Battle, Tamon Lynum and Tamarion Crumpley are also in the mix.

Cornerback is still a question mark, but Anglin definitely helps.

Special Teams 

Pitt revamped its long snappers, adding Nilay Upadhyuyula and Nico Crawford, but the unit remains just about the same. Ben Sauls and Caleb Junko appear ready to fulfill their respective roles once again. Cam Guess will hold.

I’m less certain about the returners. Johnson was a very good kick returner last season. Che Nwabuko was used as a punt returner in the spring.