Pitt Shows Interest in MAC Transfer Linebacker

Pitt is set to have a strong linebacking corps, one that will likely challenge for the best in college football next season, but there’s always room for improvement.

Pitt is losing some veteran contributors on the inside, with Brandon George and Keye Thompson exhausting their collegiate eligibility, and the coaching staff is looking at a MAC linebacker for potential depth.

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Antavious Fish — a 6-foot, 235-pound senior linebacker from Atlanta, Ga. — told The Portal Report that he’s received interest from Pitt since entering the transfer portal. Fish is a recruit who is helped by JUCO eligibility being relaxed. He spent two seasons at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College before spending three at Akron.

Akron LB Antavious Fish recruitment update:

Offers:
Georgia State
Sam Houston State

Interest:
UNLV
Pitt

Portal: https://t.co/mp5mJmj3Lq pic.twitter.com/e7NcetwTTt

— The Portal Report (@ThePortalReport) January 6, 2025

It remains to be seen whether the Pitt interest will progress considering the greater needs across the roster, and the way the linebacking corps is currently set up, but at the very least, Fish would provide experienced depth.

He was a three-year contributor at Akron, racking up 179 tackles (66 solo), nine tackles for loss, four sacks, two fumble recoveries and a pass breakup.

Pitt is returning All-American Kyle Louis and All-ACC Rasheem Biles next season, filling the Star and Money spots, respectively. And Braylan Lovelace is expected to slide into the starting spot at Mike.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if those three take the vast majority of snaps at linebacker next season, but there’s also Jeremiah Marcelin, Cam Lindsey and Davin Brewton (all from the class of 2023) competing for more playing time next season.

Fish would be a solid pickup to supplement veteran depth, but there’s not a pressing need for linebackers either.

Pitt has added 10 transfer portal commitments this offseason, with seven of those coming from official visitors last weekend. Pitt is in the midst of retooling following a six-game losing streak to conclude the 2024 season.