The bad news for Pitt is that I expect a longer rebuild. Think back to MSU 2007 and 2008. Three similarities I see.
A - Narduzzi has a great reputation as a D-coordinator. Dantonio had a great reputation as D-coordinator. Dantonio wasn't bad as Cincy head coach, but wasn't rated as he is now. Narduzzi is unproven as head coach.
2. MSU was then know as "same ole Spartans" that got 20 point leads and lost games, with late season collapses missing out on bowl games. John L Smith wasn't a distant memory. Pitt's reputation is better than that of 2007 era Michigan State, but not viewed as a national contender - yet. Coaching turnover is the big recent issue with Pitt, as it was with MSU.
3. A (then) bigger name in state. Pitt has to deal with State Penn. MSU had to deal with that school in Ann Arbor which then had a good reputation in football.
The two big differences is that Pitt isn't coming off a 4-8 year, and that Narduzzi is not an established head coach as Dantonio was.
Going into MSU, there were advantages that Dantonio/Narduzzi had with the Ohio connections so some of the relationships were there. Narduzzi's territory at MSU was Eastern Ohio and Eastern PA/New Jersey, along with part of Florida, and in state Michigan.
In Pitt, Narduzzi's recruiting territory helps.
MSU was lucky in 2007 in the mist of that 4-8 season. That class had a lot of hits with underrated recruits. On defense that included Greg Jones, Kevin Pickelman, and Chris L Rucker.
2008 was similar to 2007 although less stars. Trenton Robinson was a 2* from Bay City, and ended up being a multi-year starter at safety and an NFL contract. His best two other offers were Cincinnati and Indiana. Johnny Adams was a 3* from Akron (beat WVU and Syracuse) and a starting corner and was drafted late. Both were smaller than what MSU likes today, but they were tough and could play. Narduzzi recruited them. Jerel Worthy was surprising overlooked as a 3* from Huber Heights. Nebraska and MSU saw him. He was in the league. Tyler Hoover was not overlooked as a 3* with UM and Wisconsin offering.
2009 (year after 9-3) was when things were really starting to pick up. It was also a strong in-state talent year. MSU was ranked 17th and it was a good class.
2010 (year after 6-6) was supposedly a "step back" but was the best Dantonio class at MSU in hindsight. That class was ranked 30th (Pitt 33rd). In reality, that was a top 10 class. Bell, Bullough, Dennard, Drummond (Narduzzi - Ohio), Gholston (5*, Narduzzi - Detroit), Jackson, Langford, Lewis, Lippett, Mumphrey, and Rush were multi-year starters, many of whom were all-conference and all-American.
All those classes were heavily laden with in-state and Ohio players. There were a few Florida, Georgia, Indiana, DC area, and other area players as well. Later on after more consistent success, MSU expanded back into Illinois and Pennsylvania again.
I expect a lot of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey players going to Pitt, along with the occasional Floridian and Michigander as Narduzzi recruited those areas. Looking at the latest offer list, I'm not surprised to see DC/Maryland/Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. I am surprised a little to see Connecticut and Louisiana, although not as much the Carolinas (ACC).
