Pitt FB Recruiting
2026 4-Star DB Adds to Relationship With ‘Great’ Pitt Visit
Pitt football hosted a notable four-star defensive back in the 2026 cycle this weekend who left with a strong impression of the program and the City of Pittsburgh.
Marcello Vitti — a 6-foot, 190-pound prospect from Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Mich. — was in attendance when Pitt faced Virginia Saturday night under the lights.
“It was great,” Vitti told Pittsburgh Sports Now about his experience. “I really like that they play in an NFL stadium. The fans were fun and I really like the city vibe.”
Vitti, who holds a 5.8 four-star rating from Rivals.com and ranks as the 149th-ranked prospect in the class, initially picked up an offer from Pitt during a previous visit on March 15 of this year.
Since then, Vitti has built a relationship with secondary/cornerbacks coach Archie Collins, who recruits the Detroit area hard.
“Coach Collins is from Detroit, and we have that connection,” Vitti said. “I feel comfortable with him. We have been talking a lot and it was good to see him again in person.”
Had a great game day visit at Pitt last night! @ARCHIECOLLINS_ @Pitt_FB #H2P @RisingStars6 @ReggieWynns @claney101 @DCHS_Football14 @MikePanther247 @PittPanthers247 @PantherLair @AllenTrieu @GregSmithRivals @RivalsFriedman @adamgorney @LemmingReport @HSFBscout @TheUCReport… pic.twitter.com/Metou4ILvY
— Marcello Vitti-2026-Athlete (Safety/Nickel/CB/RB) (@Marcello_Vitti) November 10, 2024
Pitt’s coaching staff has made an impact on Vitti so far during his recruitment.
“The coaches are down to earth and I like that. That the head coach has been there for a while and isn’t leaving,” Vitti said.
While watching Pitt take on Virginia, Vitti took note of the play from the secondary.
“I thought their DBs played fast and aggressive. They were well-coached. It means something that Coach Narduzzi has been there a long time,” he said.
The ability to develop defensive backs and send them on to the next level in the National Football League is one of his top priorities, and Pitt has certainly done that.
“Definitely a program that develops players for the NFL and wins consistently every year. Play early and probably most important the relationship with position coach,” Vitti said about his priorities.
There’s a reason Vitti is regarded as the No. 9 safety in the class as he plays with athleticism, and physicality and is versatile.
During his junior season, Vitti compiled 76 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and 10 pass breakups. He also added 1,614 all-purpose yards and 25 touchdowns.
With his on-field play, Vitti has attracted a long list of schools as he holds offers from Pitt, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee, Arkansas, Auburn, Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wake Forest, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Boston College and several others.
When asked where Pitt ranks among the rest of his offers following his visit, he thought highly of the Panthers.
“Top 10 for sure,” he said.
Marcello Vitti intends on visiting Wisconsin and Iowa before the college football season comes to an end while considering trips to Michigan, Wake Forest, Kansas or Indiana.
