Pitt FB Recruiting
Elite 2026 Safety Hopes to Check Out Pitt After Recent Visit to City
Several blue-chip prospects graced the field at the Wolvarena on Saturday wearing yellow and black St. Frances (Md.) colors.
With that type of talent in Pitt’s neighborhood, the Panthers had some important recruiting targets guiding St. Frances to victory over Central Catholic.
One of those happened to be an elite safety prospect in the Class of 2026 with Pitt interest.
Jireh Edwards – a 6-foot-2, 194-pound consensus four star – is a significant option for the Panthers in the class and Edwards has a valuable connection to the program.
“It’s a great program. One of the St. Frances alums Isaiah Neal is up there right now. He’s telling us some good things about Pitt, and how it’s a great school,” Edwards told Pittsburgh Sports Now.
The Baltimore, Md. native holds a high 6.0 four-star ranking from Rivals. He is listed as the 19th-best player in the cycle and second-ranked safety.
His national pedigree was on display against the Vikings as he recorded six tackles, four tackles for loss, one pass breakup and helped secure a safety in the end zone en route to a 44-16 victory.
2026 SAF Jireh Edwards flying downfield for a big hit.
St. Frances Academy forced a safety on the next play. pic.twitter.com/1H6USvNQ5H
— Matt Parker (@MattParkerLR) August 24, 2024
After competing in Pittsburgh, Edwards hopes to make it back to the city in October for a game day visit to experience what the program has to offer.
“The environment and what can they do to make me a better person in life on and off the field,” Edwards noted.
Former Pitt running back coach Andre Powell originally offered Edwards in April of 2023, but the Panthers have kept contact with Cory Sanders leading the way by letting Edwards know what they see in him.
“They’ve been telling me how I can be a perfect fit in their defensive scheme, and they want me as a free safety,” Edwards said.
Pitt’s recent success in producing defensive backs in the NFL has become a constant recruiting tool and one that resonates with Edwards.
“It’s good. They produce a lot of great talent and great DBs,” he said.
Edwards is a prospect that fits Pitt’s needs as he plays an aggressive style of football that was showcased over the weekend.
“A physical play style. I’m the type of player that hit’s somebody in the mouth. I don’t care how big you are, you could be 300 pounds and I’ll still hit you in the mouth,” he said.
While Pitt looks to become an increasing player in the Edwards sweepstakes, the Panthers have an uphill battle. He released a top 10 list in April that featured Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon, Maryland, Michigan State, Tennessee, Miami, Auburn, Alabama and USC. He did preface to post on X by saying, ‘Recruitment still open!’
