The transfer portal window has officially closed, and for Pitt football, that means it’s time to take stock of what just happened - and what’s next. After a whirlwind few weeks of roster turnover, the Panthers are starting to get a clearer picture of who’ll be suiting up this spring. And while the headlines have focused on the big departures - including All-ACC linebacker Rasheem Biles heading to Texas - there’s been plenty of movement across every position group.
Pitt saw 24 players exit via the portal during the January 2-16 window. Some were walk-ons, but others were key contributors.
Add in 20 graduating seniors and Kyle Louis declaring early for the NFL Draft, and you’ve got a roster that’s been through a serious shake-up. But this wasn’t just an exodus.
Pitt’s been active on the other end too, bringing in 17 transfer players and signing 21 high school recruits during the December early signing period.
Now, with the portal window shut and spring ball about two months away, there’s a sense of stability returning to the program. The roster isn’t finalized - it never really is in today’s college football - but the foundation is set. So let’s zoom in on one of the more intriguing position groups: wide receiver.
Wide Receiver Room: Rebuilding or Reloading?
The wide receiver position has been one of the more fluid spots on Pitt’s depth chart in recent years, and this offseason has only added to that storyline. With the departure of several receivers and the arrival of new faces through both recruiting and the portal, Pitt is in the middle of reshaping this unit.
The key now is finding playmakers - guys who can stretch the field, win one-on-one battles, and give the quarterback reliable targets. That’s been a missing piece at times, and it’s something the coaching staff is clearly prioritizing. Whether it’s a veteran transfer stepping in or a young recruit looking to make an early impact, there’s opportunity here.
Spring practice will be crucial. It’s the first real chance to see how the new group gels and who starts to separate themselves from the pack. Chemistry with the quarterback will be under the microscope, and so will route running, hands, and the ability to create after the catch.
This is a position where one or two breakout players can change the entire complexion of the offense. Pitt’s staff knows that, and they’ve brought in the kind of talent that could make that happen. But it’s going to take reps, competition, and development over the next few months to figure out who those guys are.
Bottom line: the wide receiver room is in transition, but it’s not short on potential. The pieces are there - now it’s about putting them together.