Pitt FB Recruiting
Pitt Picks Up Commitment from Transfer Tight End
Since the early days of the spring portal window, Pitt made its intentions known that it was looking to bring in a transfer tight end.
The Panthers have done exactly that by adding Marshall transfer tight end Justin Holmes, he announced via X Friday morning.
Holmes — a 6-foot, 241-pound talent from Kutztown, Pa. — committed while he was on campus Thursday for a visit, multiple sources told Pittsburgh Sports Now, but did not reveal until the next morning. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
Excited to get to work @Pitt_FB! #Committed @CoachDuzzPittFB @coachjbronowski pic.twitter.com/ZDv0bJZu6z
— Justin Holmes (@Holmes5Justin) April 25, 2025
He becomes the second transfer addition for the Panthers after North Carolina transfer cornerback Zion Ferguson committed after also taking a visit on Thursday.
The tight end from Northwestern Lehigh High School in Eastern Pennsylvania spent one season at Marshall. He appeared in all 13 games with one start as the Herd went on to win the Sun Belt title. He was primarily used as a blocker in the run game and hauled in one pass for 11 yards.
While Holmes will most likely be utilized to block, he brings veteran experience to fill in behind projected starter and sixth-year senior Jake Overman.
Upon entering the transfer portal on April 1, he received offers from UTEP, Southern Mississippi and Ball State. 247Sports rates Holmes as a three-star transfer prospect.
Prior to Marshall, Holmes played his first two seasons of collegiate football at Kent State and appeared in 21 games. In 2023, he played in 12 games with 20 receptions for 188 yards.
Coming out of high school, Holmes was a three-star recruit, but served as the starting quarterback for Northwestern Lehigh. IN his senior season, he passed for over 1300 yards and 18 touchdowns and ran for over 1300 yards with 20 scores. He also caught a touchdown pass and compiled 63 tackles on defense with six sacks.
Pitt was looking to bolster its tight end room with a transfer after Jake Renda entered the portal on April 14. Overman, sophomore Malachi Thomas and freshman Max Hunt make up the current scholarship tight ends.
