It was a successful 2021 season for the Pittsburgh Panthers football program. Pittsburgh went 11-3 last year (7-1 in ACC) in their quest to winning the program’s first ever conference championship. Much of Pittsburgh’s success was credited to Heisman Finalist QB Kenny Pickett. Pickett threw for over 4300 yards and 42 touchdowns. Pitt’s other impressive offensive weapon was WR Jordan Addison. Addison caught 100 passes for 1593 yards and 17 touchdowns during the 2021 season. As a result, Addison was awarded the Biletnikoff award which recognizes college football’s best receiver in the FBS.
Despite the successful 2021 campaign for Pitt, they’ll want to turn the page as things are changing rapidly for the program. QB Kenny Pickett was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20th pick of the NFL Draft. Star WR Jordan Addison announced his transfer to USC earlier this summer. Pitt also lost star TE Lucas Krull who recently signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. USC QB Kedon Slovis transferred to Pitt over the summer as well. Pitt Football Head Coach Pat Narduzzi said one of the selling points to Slovis transferring was the “returning talent, not only with the receiver spot but on the O-line.”
What to expect from Pitt in the 2022 Season:
With the exception to a few positions, much of the roster that won Pitt the ACC Championship is returning for the 2022 season. The entire offensive line is returning along with running back Israel Abanikanda. In addition to the players returning on the offensive side, Pitt’s entire defensive line and secondary is coming back for the 2022 season. Basically, most of Pitt’s changes are at the QB and WR position.
Much of Pitt’s success last season came from the defensive front. The Panthers defense averaged 3.9 sacks a game which ranked second in the FBS. The defense also averaged 8.1 tackles for loss per game which ranked third in the FBS along with allowing just 89.2 rushing yards per game which ranked sixth in the FBS.
It is likely that Kedon Slovis will be starting for Pitt week 1 vs West Virginia. Red shirt QB Nick Patti will be in competition with Slovis for the starting job. Patti backed up Pickett and started in the Peach Bowl before suffering an injury. Slovis was a three year starter at USC, who completed 68 % of his passes. Pitt coaches feel as if Slovis brings a full package of talent to the offense. Slovis has proven that he can win at the Power 5 level.
It may seem as if Pitt Football has taken a step backwards during this offseason because of some talented players leaving. When you really look into how many valuable players are returning, I don’t see why the Panthers can’t compete for another ACC Championship.