Pitt FB Recruiting
Pitt Has Made Good Impression on 2026 3-Star OL Benjamin Corhei
Pitt is in the process of revamping its offensive line, following back-to-back seasons of subpar play, and while the transfer portal has been an important tool, recruiting the high school ranks effectively is arguably just as important.
So, Pitt is hitting the class of 2026 hard, and an early target has been identified.
Benjamin Corhei — a 6-foot-5, 290-pound three-star offensive lineman from Lowndes High in Valdosta, Ga. — picked up an offer from offensive coordinator Kade Bell on Thursday. He added Pitt to a list of offers that includes Austin Peay, Florida State, Georgia Southern, Indiana, Iowa State, Kentucky, Liberty, Ole Miss, UAB, UCF and USF.
“They’ve been talking to me since I was a sophomore, so it means a lot for them to come back and extend an offer,” Corhei told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “So, it just meant a lot to me to come back and get that.”
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Pittsburgh!! @Kb1Raw @Pitt_FB @Coach_FredM @CarterVikingsFB @lhsvikingsfbrec @adamgorney @JeremyO_Johnson @ErikRichardsUSA @BrooksAustinBA pic.twitter.com/keBWRzh2Ur
— Benjamin Corhei (@CorheiBenjamin) January 7, 2025
It was Bell who officially extended the offer, advancing the relationship, but Corhei still remembered secondary coach Archie Collins stopping by Lowndes last winter. It’s a relationship with Pitt that has been on the slow burner for a while.
And Bell certainly made a good impression on Corhei in their short time together on Thursday.
“I can tell he knows what he’s talking about because of the way he talks to me about the offense, and how they’re a powerhouse, and I love talking to him,” Corhei said. “It was great; it’s a great relationship to have him.”
Corhei doesn’t care where he plays on the offensive line at the next level, but Bell likes Corhei’s versatility. He likes how Corhei is athletic enough to play all over the offensive line.
“He said he likes how I play all the positions and how I could definitely fit into their routine over there,” Corhei said. “I’m able to play tackle and able to go and snap the ball on the next play, so they like that. And how my frame is big, and I’m able to move.”
Corhei helped Lowndes to a 10-2 record this season, which included a run in the Georgia Class-6A playoffs. It was fueled by his “physical, dominant, gnarly, nasty” style of play.
Corhei isn’t ranked by the major recruiting services (247Sports, Rivals or On3), but he does hold a 5.7 Rivals Rating, which signifies a high three-star rating. So, he’s likely close to a breakout.
He’s hearing from Florida State, South Alabama, Memphis, Alabama and USF lately, with a lot of interest from schools in the Georgia area, but the location aspect isn’t what stands out in his wish list.
“The No. 1 thing on my mind is definitely the relationship with the coaches and with the program,” Corhei said. “So, definitely that is my No. 1 lead to where I’m going to choose to go so depending on that is what I’m going to base it off of.”
Pitt is the most recent school to offer, but it’s not as if he’s been unaware of the program. He’s been hearing from the Panthers for a while, and he came away from the GameAbove Sports Bowl impressed by the way the Panthers carried themselves — despite the loss.
“They’re definitely a top school for me,” Corhei said. “They play in a Power Five conference; they play well, and I love the program.”
There isn’t currently a plan for a visit, but Corhei would like to make it up to Pittsburgh in the near future.
