The Pittsburgh Panthers did not have the season they expected in 2023, especially with their recent success under head coach Pat Narduzzi. However, history can only repeat so long until it finally comes crashing down.
Last year, Pittsburgh had its worst season since 1998, with a 3-9 record. Seven of those losses were by double digits, and there was rarely a game where the offense played consistently.
With all those negative results to move forward from, they also have lost many key players from the 2023 season. This new season will be headlined by development, improvement, and, hopefully, a better outcome for the Panthers. However, it will take a lot to get there.
OFFENSE
A new era of Panthers offense begins with Western Carolina’s own Kade Bell entering as the team’s new offensive coordinator. It was a shake-up that was much needed, as the Catamounts were No. 1 in scoring offense in the Southern Conference.
As a background going into this season, Pittsburgh finished dead last in the ACC in scoring and total offense. This year, the Panthers are looking to improve in whatever way they can.
The rushing attack looks good, with returning leading rusher Rodney Hammond joined by Western Carolina transfer Desmond Reid. Additionally, the offensive line is solid, with four returning starters and plenty of depth.
Nate Yarnell, who took over late in 2023, was third in line for the role of the starting quarterback. Even though he had less time on the field, Yarnell had the best completion percentage and quarterback rating. Now, he battles with Alabama transfer Eli Holstein for the starting role, and both are top candidates for the job.
As for the receiving game, there is plenty of hope available. Veteran receiver Konata Mumpfield, who led the team in receptions and scores last season, returns while being joined by Bell’s old prospects from Western Carolina, transfers Raphael Williams Jr. and Censere Lee. Senior tight end Gavin Bartholomew will have a big role in the offense.
DEFENSE
The Pittsburgh defense already had a lackluster foundation, but the bottom truly fell out after the amount of players that were lost to the transfer portal.
Sack leaders Dayon Haynes and Samuel Okunlolo at defensive end departed to Colorado, and star linebackers Solomon DeShields and Bangally Kamara transferred away as well, to Texas A&M and South Carolina respectively.
Even with a rotation without much experience, there is plenty of depth, and players like Kansas State transfer and defensive end Nate Matlack, who was a dominant piece in Kansas, and linebacker Keye Thompson from Ohio, who has recorded over 251 career tackles will be crucial to the defense’s success.
The best part of the defense is the secondary, where big safeties Javon McIntyre, Donovan McMillon, and Cruce Bookins will lead the way in their unit. After losing three NFL-caliber corners, things aren’t in great shape, but Kentucky transfer Jaremiah Aglin will help recuperate the position.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Ben Sauls returns for his senior year to kick yet again, the leading scorer on the team with 171 points. Additionally, Caleb Junko will lead at the punter position.
OVERVIEW
The Panthers have nowhere to go but up this year.
A new offensive coordinator, an influx of talent to work with on the offense, and time to grow and develop on the defense, Pittsburgh has the ability to improve. However, their competition is still prominent.
The Panthers have an away game against Cincinnati early in the season, followed by a home game against West Virginia. Later, they face UNC, Virginia, Boston College, and, of course, the Clemson Tigers.
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