24. Pittsburgh Panthers
2023 Future QB ranking: Not ranked2023 Future defense ranking: Not ranked
2023 Future offense ranking: Not ranked
2022 Future team ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Panthers: This might be a FPR first: A team not cracking the unit or QB lists making the overall top 25. Pitt's components don't really jump out, although a good case can be made for including the defense, which has produced 10 NFL draft picks in the past three years, including 2023 first-round selection Calijah Kancey. Also, Pitt has won an ACC championship and 20 total games the last two seasons, twice finishing in the AP Top 25. Coach Pat Narduzzi has a proven track record on defense, but also produced spikes in offensive production, like in 2016 and 2021. The defense will miss Kancey, safety Erick Hallett, linebacker SirVocea Dennis and others but returns five starters. Cornerback is packed with experience as seniors M.J. Devonshire, Marquis Williams and A.J. Woods, who combined for six interceptions last season, all return. Pitt isn't as deep at safety but will lean on junior Phillip O'Brien Jr. and possibly Florida transfer Donovan McMillon. Bangally Kamara and Shayne Simon both return at linebacker, where junior Solomon DeShields is set to take on a bigger role. Senior tackle David Green anchors an experienced front that is seeking more from end Dayon Hayes and others. ESPN 300 linebacker recruit Jordan Bass headlined Pitt's 2023 class and should make an impact in the coming years.
Pitt's offense wants to maintain its rushing prowess (30 touchdowns in 2022) while elevating the pass attack, which found the end zone only 13 times last fall. The team again went to the portal for quarterbacks, adding Phil Jurkovec (Boston College) and Christian Veilleux (Penn State). Jurkovec, who played under Pitt coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. at BC in 2021, is the projected starter for 2023, while Veilleux or fellow sophomore Nate Yarnell could lead the unit in 2024 and beyond. The Panthers return starting receivers Bub Means and Konata Mumpfield, a junior who had 58 receptions last season. They also added Florida transfer Daejon Reynolds, a third-year sophomore, but will look for more options. Third-team All-ACC selections Matt Goncalves and Jake Kradel lead a senior-laden offensive line, which added Cal transfer Jackson Brown. Pitt will miss prolific running back Israel Abanikanda, and now pivots to holdovers Rodney Hammond Jr. and C'Bo Flemister, along with LSU transfer Derrick Davis Jr. Tight end Gavin Bartholomew is back after a 21-catch season and can play through 2024.
