Nate Yarnell has been the ultimate “Pitt man” during his time with the Panthers, but that time has come to an end.
Yarnell — a 6-foot-6, 215-pound redshirt senior quarterback from Austin, Tx. — announced Friday morning that he’s entered the transfer portal after four seasons with the program.
It’s not a surprising turn of events, as Eli Holstein surpassed him as the starting quarterback before the start of the season, but it’s unfortunate that Yarnell was never able to earn the starting job in Pittsburgh.
Yarnell initially committed to Pitt as a three-star out of Lake Travis High in the class of 2021, choosing the Panthers in the midst of COVID-19. He was injured in his senior season and didn’t take a game snap until his start against Western Michigan in 2022.
He started a game in 2022, started the last two games of the 2023 season and one game this season — seeing action in a handful of games with Holstein injured.
He completed 98-of-167 pass attempts for 1,056 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He completed 149-of-243 pass attempts for 1,846 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions in his four seasons at Pitt.
Yarnell experienced an up and down four seasons at Pitt, taking a beating in his last couple of games this season, but he was a consummate professional the entire time.
“I’m just so grateful for the opportunity,” Yarnell said after making his first start last season. “I came to Pitt, I love Pitt and I just really enjoy getting on the field.”
Pitt is set to return Holstein as the starting quarterback, and that’s the most important thing for the Panthers this offseason. He’s got the chance to be a legitimate difference-maker during his time in Pittsburgh. Ty Dieffenbach, Julian Dugger and Mason Heintschel are also — currently — set to be on the roster in 2025.
Pitt could use an established backup now that Yarnell is leaving though.
