In-state 2026 quarterback Gavin Sidwar, who has received heavy interest from Pitt, made a verbal pledge to Rutgers over the summer. However, the four-star signal caller announced Sunday night that he has decommitted from the Big 10 program.
Sidwar — a 6-foot-3, 190-pound prospect — had been committed to the Scarlet Knights and head coach Greg Schiano since July 1, and he is now reconsidering his options, including Pitt.
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“After careful consideration, I decided to decommit from Rutgers. I appreciate all the coaches and staff that recruited me – there are great people in that building. I think it’s best that I reopen my recruitment at this time,” Sidwar said via a post on X.
Steve Wiltfong of On3 reported that Pitt and Syracuse, who Pitt beat last week, have been showing interest.
Pitt and offensive coordinator Kade Bell were the first program to reach out to Sidwar when the contact period opened in June for 2026 prospects. Bell was also the first coach to visit Sidwar.
“When coaches were allowed back in high schools, coach Bell was the first one to visit me. He told me I was at the top of their board, and I was the first QB he was visiting in my class,” Sidwar told Pittsburgh Sports Now in June.
The La Salle College High School product received an offer from Pitt on March 4 while in town for a visit.
“When I got invited to their practice in the spring, it was my first time meeting coach Bell. He’s a good guy. He had great energy. I’m excited for what he’s bringing to the offense. He wants to throw the ball around. The first thing I said to my dad when we left practice that day was, ‘I really like coach Bell.’ I still feel that way,” Sidwar said.
Despite growing up in Warrington, Pa. on the eastern side of the state, Sidwar has connections to the Pittsburgh area.
“My dad’s parents grew up on the western side of the state, so he spent all his holidays out there as a kid. He was raised as a Pittsburgh pro sports fan. He always says to me that Pittsburgh is a great city when the recruiting topic comes up,” Sidwar said.
On3 rates Sidwar as a four-star recruit and the 15th-ranked quarterback in the class. He ranks as the fifth-best player in the state.
Along with Pitt and Rutgers, Sidwar holds offers from Syracuse, Duke, Virginia Tech, Maryland, West Virginia, Indiana, USF and Virginia.
Sidwar has led La Salle to a 10-0 record through the regular season. Through the first nine games, Sidwar has completed 174-of-243 (71.6%) passes for 2,161 yards and 27 touchdowns through the air, according to Easternpafootball.com.
Ride the momentum. Put on the full court press and get this kid.
Dude needs to update the Hudl account to showcase his stuff.
Author of this article might want to include which state his high-school is located, which appears to be the greater Philadelphia PA region.