Pitt FB Recruiting
2026 4-Star Tight End Includes Pitt as Finalist
While the Pitt football program has shifted towards game action, it does not mean the Panthers are taking their eyes off the recruiting trail.
This past week, Pitt received some promising news with a four-star tight end target in the class of 2026 including Pitt as one of his finalists.
Lincoln Watkins – a 6-foot-4, 228-pound prospect from Michigan – placed Pitt in his top 12 schools along with Oregon, Penn State, West Virginia, Miami, Maryland, Wisconsin, Purdue, Minnesota, Northwestern, Kansas and USF.
This is The 12. Thank you Jesus for putting me in this position.
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–@AllenTrieu @RisingStars6 @FballPhn @SWiltfong_ @Birm @GregSmithRivals @fletch_09 @dthomas3467 @mistahvattah @bvandrew pic.twitter.com/Hmq3pQNFkJ— Lincoln Watkins 4✰ (@LinkWatkins2026) August 28, 2024
“When I was narrowing down my options, there was no doubt in my mind that Pitt had to be in it” Watkins told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “After my time with coach [Pat] Narduzzi, coach [Jacob Bronowski], and coach [Archie] Collins, I knew I loved what they had going on.”
The Port Huron Northern High School product visited Pitt in March and after a great experience with Collins, he received an offer.
“In March, Coach had us come to the facility and we just got to hang out, watch our film and break down our thought process to him and then just enjoy ourselves. It was a great time. The offer meant a lot to me because they are top dog in the ACC and pulling an offer like that was sweet,” Watkins said.
Watkins has visited Pitt twice and even after those trips, Pitt has maintained contact with the four-star recruit.
“I have had many different conversations over text, call, and in person. They have been about anything from family to school to hobbies and of course football. Having those types of talks really develops a good relationship with coaches.
When evaluating what Watkins looks for in a program, he acknowledges that Pitt meets all his top priorities.
“When looking at a school, I want to see them prioritize education, have meaning behind their coaching style, a good community on the team, and honestly a nice place to live where I feel like I’m at home. Pitt hits all four on the head,” he said.
On top of that, Pitt’s next-door neighbor piqued Watkins’ interest as well.
“The main thing I noticed was the fact that they share a facility with the Steelers, it’s the only school in the country that can say they have that and that sets them apart from all,” Watkins said.
Watkins ranks as a 5.8 four-star, according to Rivals.com. The recruiting service lists him as the 14th-best player at his position and seventh overall in the state of Michigan.
His versatility speaks for itself as he can lineup at tight end, linebacker, safety and even played some quarterback last fall.
“My play style is very tough, hard-nosed football. I am an athletic guy but the big part of my game is it’s gonna take more than two guys to get me down,” Watkins said.
Top 12!!