The transfer portal window has officially closed, and for Pitt football, the whirlwind of roster movement is finally starting to settle. From January 2 to January 16, the Panthers saw a flurry of departures-24 players entered the portal, including some walk-ons, but also some key contributors.
Among the most notable losses was All-ACC linebacker Rasheem Biles, who’s headed to Texas, a move that will be felt on the defensive side of the ball. Add in 20 graduating seniors and linebacker Kyle Louis declaring early for the NFL Draft, and it’s clear this offseason has been one of significant transition.
But it hasn’t been all subtraction. Pitt has been just as active on the addition side.
The Panthers signed 21 high school prospects during the December early signing period and brought in 17 players via the transfer portal. That’s a lot of turnover, but with the portal now closed and spring ball just around the corner, there’s a growing sense of stability within the program.
The pieces are in place-it’s now about fitting them together.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll take a position-by-position look at where things stand heading into spring. Today, we’re starting in the trenches with a look at the defensive tackles-a group that’s seen its own share of shakeups but still holds the potential to be a strength for Pitt in 2024.
Defensive Tackle: Rebuilding from the Inside Out
The heart of any good defense starts up front, and for Pitt, the defensive tackle room is undergoing a bit of a retool. While there’s been some attrition, there’s also talent returning and new faces arriving that could make this unit quietly solid-if not a surprise strength-by the time fall rolls around.
The Panthers lost some interior depth to the portal, but the core of the room remains intact. That includes players who’ve been in the system and understand the expectations of Pitt’s aggressive, attacking defensive scheme. The staff also addressed the position through the portal, bringing in reinforcements who could compete for immediate playing time.
Spring ball will be critical in determining the pecking order. There’s a mix of veterans looking to take the next step and younger players who now have an opening to prove themselves. The coaching staff will be watching closely to see who can anchor the middle, hold up against the run, and generate pressure from the inside-hallmarks of Pitt’s defensive identity under Pat Narduzzi.
It’s also worth noting that the defensive tackle spot is one where development matters. Even if some of the new additions aren’t ready to be starters right away, this spring and summer will be key for building depth and grooming the next wave of contributors.
The bottom line? While the losses have been notable, the foundation is still there. With the right mix of returning experience and incoming talent, Pitt’s defensive tackles have a chance to be a stabilizing force for a defense that’s looking to reload, not rebuild.
We’ll continue breaking down each position group as we move toward spring, but if the defensive tackle room is any indication, Pitt may be better positioned than the raw numbers suggest. There’s work to be done-but there’s also plenty to work with.