Pitt FB Recruiting
Pitt Jumps into Recruitment of 3-Star OL with Offer, Spring Visit
Pitt football recently jumped into the recruitment of 2026 offensive lineman Nathan Zappitelli out of Ohio, but the relationship has been developing between the two sides for a while now.
Zappitelli — a 6-foot-4, 260-pound three-star prospect out of Lake Catholic High School in Mentor, Ohio — visited Pittsburgh in October to take in the Pitt-Cal game. He will now take another unofficial visit on March 15.
“I look forward to getting closer with the staff and seeing everything in person,” Zappitelli told Pittsburgh Sports Now.
Pitt became the third Power Four offer and first from an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) school for Zappitelli on March 1.
“It felt great to receive my first offer from an ACC school. The ACC has some great schools that I would look forward to playing,” he said.
After a great call with @CoachArchieC I am blessed to receive an offer from the University of Pittsburgh‼️‼️@LCCougarFB @Marty_Gibbons @CoachJimmyKing pic.twitter.com/9BgDqqnil9
— Nathan Zappitelli (@nathan_Zapp) March 1, 2025
Zappitelli holds offers from Pitt, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Nevada, Army, Ball State, Ohio, Toledo, Bowling Green, Western Michigan, Miami (OH), Kent State, Akron, Buffalo, Western Kentucky, Liberty, Princeton, Harvard and Dartmouth.
Over the past few months, Zappitelli has been in constant contact with cornerbacks coach and area recruiter Archie Collins. But it’s been offensive line coach Jeremy Darveau that has taken the initiative, including a visit to the family restaurant, Zappitelli’s.
“I’ve had some good talks with coach Collins over the phone and in person,” Zappitelli said. “Coach Darveau was at our restaurant not too long ago where we had a great conversation with my father.
“We met at my father’s restaurant where we talked for the first time. It was great not just getting to know him, but learning more about the school itself.”
Pittsburgh and Mentor, Ohio sit roughly two-and-a-half hours from one another, making the close proximity appealing for the offensive lineman, along with the shared facilities with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“They have talked to me about their connection with the Steelers from the facilities to the staff,” Zappitelli said.
Zappitelli, who currently plays at tackle, has a lot of qualities that the Panthers like, especially his mobility.
“They like my athleticism and look to move me to the interior,” he said.
Cincinnati is another school to keep an eye on in Zappitell’s recruitment as he will take an official visit with the Bearcats from June 6-8.
