Pitt Still Outside of the AP Top-25

Pitt was in the AP Poll for a short period of time this season. Now, since the Panthers’ loss to Mississippi State, they have not been able to crack the poll again.

In this week’s AP Poll, Pitt earned the 33rd-most votes out of all teams, sitting outside the top-25 once again. Maryland, Drake, Saint John’s, Michigan, Utah State, and Georgia all were not ranked, and received more votes than Pitt. Pitt received five more votes than West Virginia. The AP Poll only included one ACC team this week: No. 4 Duke.

Pitt is currently 10-2 on the year, and is now ranked No. 11 in the NCAA’s NET rankings.

Upon the release of the NET rankings in early December, Pitt was ranked in the top-5 of the rankings. The rankings have loved Pitt’s wins over West Virginia and Ohio State, among others. The Panthers dominated West Virginia earlier this season, and now, the Mountaineers have improved their record to 9-2 and sit at No. 33 in the rankings. Ohio State is currently 8-4 on the year, ranked No. 24 in the NET rankings. Pitt beat Ohio State in Columbus on Black Friday this season.

Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Jeff Capel November 4, 2024 David Hague/PSN

The Panthers have four more Quad 1 opportunities (as of now), starting with a game against Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Jan. 7. The Panthers also have projected Quad 1 opportunities against North Carolina on the road, against Louisville on the road, and against SMU on the road. ACC teams Boston College and Miami are all coming to play in Pittsburgh this year. However, after lackluster starts to the season for those four teams according to the NCAA’s NET rankings, those are projected to be Quad 4 opportunities.

Pitt’s upcoming game against Clemson was initially a Quad 1 game, and still may be. However, the Tigers are now outside the top-30 in the NET rankings and as of now, it will be a Quad 2 game.