Report: Pitt Interested in Versatile Hawaii Transfer Athlete

Tylan Hines is an interesting player in the transfer portal, considering he’s played running back and wide receiver in his college career, and Pitt is reportedly interested in his services.

Hines — a 5-foot-7, 175-pound athlete from Mt. Pleasant, Tx. — entered the transfer portal last month after three seasons at Hawaii and has received interest from Texas State, Incarnate Word, UCLA, Utah State, Fresno State, Pitt, Cal and UTEP, according to A&P Sports Agency.

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Pitt doesn’t exactly have a need for another “smaller” running back, and there have been two wide receivers added from the transfer portal already, but there’s always an interest in playmakers — regardless of position.

Hawaii transfer running back @tylan1hines is gaining momentum in the transfer portal and has heard from these programs. pic.twitter.com/po9Bvia2jj

— A&P Sports Agency (@APSportsAgency) January 7, 2025

Hines broke out at Hawaii as a true freshman, rushing for 634 yards (7.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns — adding 82 yards through the air. He entered the 2023 season as a true sophomore team captain but was limited to just four games as he dealt with a multitude of injuries.

He redshirted and made the switch to wide receiver this season, but it wasn’t as successful a season. He carried the ball 39 times for 162 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and racked up 23 receptions for 186 yards (8.1 yards per reception) and three touchdowns.

It’s an interesting position for Hines now, with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Pitt is returning an All-American in Desmond Reid at running back, but it’s uncertain behind him. Derrick Davis Jr. and Juelz Goff are in line for snaps, but they’re both rather unproven. Hines is built similarly to Reid, so the fit there is uncertain, too.

Pitt has also added transfer wide receivers in Deuce Spann and Andy Jeans, two bigger wideouts, this offseason. They add size to a room that’s filled with wide receivers standing under 6-foot — outside of Kenny Johnson.

Hines would be an intriguing player at Pitt, but it remains to be seen whether the initial interest will progress beyond due diligence in the portal.