Emotional Day as Pitt Offers North Allegheny 2026 DT Lincoln Hoke

If the Pat Narduzzi has his way, the Pitt Panther future defensive line will be filled with hometown products.

Pitt is pushing hard to try and land Peters Township stars 2026 3-star defensive end Lucas Shanafelt and 2026 4-star LB Reston Lehman along with Central Catholic standouts 2026 3-star defensive end Ashton Blatt and 2026 3-star linebacker Colsen Gatten.

Another player can be added to this growing list as Saturday night, Pitt has extended an offer to North Allegheny 2026 defensive tackle Lincoln Hoke.

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This is a huge moment for Hoke as this becomes his first Power 4 offer with it coming from his hometown school.

Hoke has been the driving force of North Allegheny’s defense and he’s been recognized for his effort, being named a first team All-State performer, a two-time Class 6A First Team pick, along with being named to the Post-Gazette Fab 22 and the Trib Live Terrific 25 teams.

After receiving an in-person visit from Pitt defensive line coach Tim Daoust a couple weeks ago, Hoke had another conversation with Daoust today and this time he received the news he was hoping for.

“I had a great conversation with Coach Daoust earlier this evening,” Hoke tells PSN. “He and I are both so passionate about the game, and I love talking to him about football. When we spoke, he talked about what kind of players and the culture he wanted in his defensive line room. He told me that I fit that culture and was the type of player he wanted in his room. He then extended the offer.”

Courtesy Lincoln Hoke

A dream was realized as Hoke finally received the news he’d worked so hard to make happen.

“At first I couldn’t believe it and I was so grateful. I was super excited as soon as he offered. As a hometown kid and watching Pitt growing up, this meant so much to me. More than you can imagine. I can’t speak enough about how grateful and excited I am.”

The excitement turned emotional as Hoke got off the phone and told his family about the news. Lincoln’s father, Chris, had the opportunity to play for many seasons at Acrisure Stadium with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now Pitt is giving him the opportunity to do the same thing.

“The conversation with my dad after the offer was very emotional,” said Hoke. “Him and I have worked countless hours together. He let me know how proud of me he was of me. He has helped me so much along this journey, and this is such a blessing to us. It was such a special moment.”

After a great conversation with @coachdaoust I am extremely blessed to receive an offer from The University of Pittsburgh!!! Thank you so much, I am so grateful!! @Pitt_FB @CoachDuzzPittFB @CoachFee615 @BatesBacker @nafootball_tfl @RivalsFriedman @adamgorney @wpialsportsnews pic.twitter.com/UxI464iYyf

— Lincoln Hoke (@LincolnHoke76) February 8, 2025

My final question to Lincoln was how serious is he considering committing to Pitt?

“I’m really serious,” said Hoke. “I’ve developed a really strong relationship with Coach Daoust over the past year. I love everything about him. He is the type of coach that I would love to go to battle for every Saturday. It would also be so much fun to play in front of friends and family in Pittsburgh.”