Pitt FB Recruiting
Standout Edge Rusher from Texas Locks in Official Visit with Pitt
On the first day of spring camp last week, Pitt football received an unofficial visit from lengthy 2026 edge rusher Obinna Umeh from St. Thomas High School in Houston, Texas.
When Umeh returns in June, Pitt will cover all costs and host the 6-foot-4 prospect over three days after he announced that he has scheduled an official visit from June 12-14.
Excited to be back in Pittsburgh for an official visit! #H2P @STHFootball @STHCatholic @CoachDavis82 @CoachDuzzPittFB @BatesBacker @coachdaoust @Zone22_JLR @PghSportsNow pic.twitter.com/DOuqiY3wWX
— Obinna Umeh (@ObinnaUmeh_) March 21, 2025
Umeh has quickly built a tight bond with Pitt defensive coordinator Randy Bates, who visited Umeh at his home in January after earning an offer from the Panthers in December.
“I am fortunate to have an amazing relationship with Coach Bates,” Umeh told Pittsburgh Sports Now in January. “Throughout my recruitment process, he has consistently checked in on my family and I to ensure we are doing well. The thing that makes Coach Bates stand out is that he cares not only about my success in football but also about making sure I grow into a respectful, proud man. He realizes that he is not only building a football team, but a family.
“He frequently tells my parents that he will make sure I stay on the right path, keep my grades up, and continue to guide me — not just while attending the University of Pittsburgh, but also in life. Coach Bates made it clear that his vision for me goes beyond just football. He highlighted how Pitt is committed to developing leaders and men of character. When he spoke with my family, he took the time to show them the impact of past Nigerian players at Pitt, which really spoke to my parents. They loved hearing about how Coach Bates and Coach Narduzzi not only build great football players but also great people. The way he connects with my family and the values he’s instilling in the program really impressed me.”
Umeh went into further detail about the conversations that he and his family had when they welcomed Bates into their Texas home.
“Having Coach Bates visit my family was such an amazing experience,” Umeh said. “After welcoming him into our home, we exchanged in-depth introductions, where he asked my parents about their story as Nigerian immigrants and making a new life in America. He was intrigued to hear they were the first in their family to travel to America and attend college here in the United States.
“After personal introductions, he began discussing the school and their amenities. Knowing my interest in a career as an orthopedic surgeon, coach Bates emphasized the elite medical program Pitt has to offer. As well as highlighting the academic support they provide to ensure athletes pursue their career paths. He also showed me both the academic and football facilities and staff that can help guide me toward achieving my goals.”
Umeh is a high priority for the Panthers. He holds additional offers from Oklahoma State, Stanford, Tulsa, UTEP, San Diego State, UNLV, Colorado State, Army, Louisiana Tech, Rice, Sacramento State, Harvard, Princeton and others.
As a junior last fall, Umeh recorded 58 tackles (12 solo), along with 19 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four passes defended and one fumble recovery.
End of Season Highlights DL/OLB
4.11 GPA (5 Advanced & 2 AP)
Class of 2026 pic.twitter.com/Q6qdvBQesi— Obinna Umeh (@ObinnaUmeh_) December 5, 2024
