Pitt Secures Commitment from Oregon Transfer DE Jaeden Moore

Pitt had a serious need at defensive end this offseason, and the Pitt coaching staff has addressed the position heavily over the last week — including the latest edge rusher.

Oregon transfer defensive end Jaeden Moore — a 6-foot-4, 245-pound edge rusher from Hanford, Calif. — committed to Pitt Tuesday, Pete Nakos of On3 reported. He took an official visit over the weekend and was reportedly considering Pitt, Virginia Tech, Nebraska and Michigan State.

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Moore is the third defensive end to commit to Pitt over the last week, joining Utah State transfer Blaine Spires and Eastern Michigan transfer Joey Zelinsky.

Oregon linebacker Jaeden Moore has signed with Pitt, @On3sports has learned.https://t.co/VxSGJETKD9 pic.twitter.com/kZ2iORVs5q

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 7, 2025

Spires and Zelinsky are both short-term pieces, with just one season of eligibility each, but Moore has three seasons of eligibility. He has the opportunity to compete for immediate playing while simultaneously growing with the system.

Moore was initially a three-star recruit out of Central Valley Christian (Calif.) in the class of 2023, choosing the Ducks over Arizona, California and Washington. He also held offers from Colorado, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and Washington State.

He only played a few snaps as a true freshman in 2023, but he took a step forward this season as a depth piece on the Oregon defensive line. He racked up six tackles (one solo), a tackle for loss, a half sack and a pass breakup.

According to PFF, he registered 16 pressures and 14 hurries this season — making the most of his limited opportunities.

Pitt is replacing Nate Matlack in the starting lineup next season, and with Edwards and Borders hitting the portal, Jimmy Scott is the only defensive end with legitimate experience who returned. Nate Temple has a chance to return, and Maverick Gracio, Zach Crothers and signees Denim Cook and Julian Anderson will be in the mix. But the portal pickups slot immediately into the starting rotation.

Pitt has its core defensive tackles in Sean FitzSimmons, Nick James and Isaiah Neal (with Francis Brewu and Jahsear Whittington primed for bigger seasons), but the need for edge rushers was legitimate — and has been addressed.