Locked In and Loaded: Pitt Lands Texas Tight End Wyatt Villarreal
Pittsburgh’s tight end room just got a serious boost. Wyatt Villarreal, a standout from Celina High School in Texas, is officially locked in with the Panthers - and he’s not just another name on the commitment list. This is a player with a proven pedigree, a winning background, and a skillset that fits what Pitt wants to do offensively like a glove.
Villarreal’s commitment may have flown under the radar at first - he kept his official visit to Pittsburgh in early June quiet - but once he saw the program up close, there was no hesitation. He committed on the spot, citing a deep connection with the coaching staff and a clear vision for how he’d be used in the offense.
“I just felt a really strong connection with the coaches and the offense they run,” Villarreal said at the time. “What I do is what they’re going to do, so it’s going to be good.”
And he’s stuck by that. Pitt was the only school he visited officially, and since that commitment, he’s been all-in.
He even returned to campus this fall for Pitt’s 53-34 win over NC State, making the trip alongside fellow commit and quarterback Angelo Renda. That kind of early buy-in - both emotionally and physically - tells you a lot about Villarreal’s mindset.
He’s not just joining a program; he’s already becoming part of it.
Built to Win - And He’s Been Doing Just That
Villarreal’s high school résumé is the kind of thing that jumps off the page. He’s a product of a powerhouse program at Celina High School, where winning isn’t just expected - it’s the standard.
The Bobcats haven’t lost a game since 2023. They went 16-0 last season and captured the Texas 4A state championship.
This year? They’re sitting at 13-0 and eyeing another title.
And Villarreal’s been a big part of that success. Paired with four-star Oklahoma-bound quarterback Bowe Bentley, he’s helped form one of the most dangerous passing duos in the state. Villarreal has hauled in over 700 yards and eight touchdowns this season, showing off the kind of size, hands, and route-running that translate at the next level.
Filling a Need at Pitt - And Filling It Well
Pitt’s tight end depth has been a work in progress over the past few years. For a while, the position was something of a revolving door, but assistant coach Jacob Bronowski has been steadily changing that narrative. He brought in Malachi Thomas in 2024, added Max Hunt last cycle, and now Villarreal joins the group as another key piece of the rebuild.
Right now, those three are the only scholarship tight ends expected on the roster next season. Walk-on Josh Altsman, who played in all 12 games this past year, is also in the mix. But the room still needs bodies - and likely a transfer portal addition - to round things out.
That said, Villarreal’s path to early playing time isn’t blocked by a wall of veterans. He’ll likely start behind some upperclassmen, but the door is open. His combination of size, athleticism, and experience in a high-level program makes him a strong candidate to contribute sooner rather than later.
The Bottom Line
Wyatt Villarreal isn’t just another commit - he’s a foundational piece for a position group that’s been in rebuild mode. He brings a winning mentality, a college-ready frame, and a game that fits what Pitt wants to do on offense.
With his commitment solid and his senior season still rolling, the Panthers can feel good about what they’re getting. Villarreal is bringing Texas toughness to the Steel City - and he might be ready to make an impact sooner than people think.