Pitt struggled on the offensive line this season, in a major way, and while there will be changes, the core from this season is returning.
Lyndon Cooper and Ryan Baer announced that they’re returning for the 2025 season, with the help of Alliance 412. It comes after BJ Williams, who started at guard every game this season, previously announced his return.
Rashad Battle, BJ Williams, Jake Overman, Sean FitzSimmons and Nick James have already announced they’re returning next season, and Nick James is the latest to do so.
Pitt is losing Taylor (likely), Ryan Jacoby and Jason Collier Jr., but Williams, Baer and Cooper will all be back — and very likely starting — at three different spots.
Baer tied for the team lead in offensive snaps this season. He started the season at right tackle and moved to the left side when Branson Taylor went down for the season with an injury. He took 308 snaps at left tackle and 545 at right tackle.
It wasn’t the easiest season for Baer, and he admitted it was a struggle, but he’s a big, physical lineman with all kinds of tools.
But according to PFF, he allowed 39 pressures and five sacks. That has to be cleaned up.
Cooper took 752 offensive snaps this season, all but three of which came at center. He was the most consistent offensive lineman on the roster this season after transferring in from North Carolina State.
Among the offensive linemen who started full-time this season, Cooper allowed a team-low 12 pressures and two sacks. His loss late in the season severely limited the offense.
Pitt has Baer, Cooper and Williams returning next season, and there are some younger options currently on the roster, but there’s a focus on adding linemen from the transfer portal — starting linemen and depth options.
