Pitt WR Zion Fowler-El Enters Transfer Portal With Two Years of Eligibility Remaining
The first domino has officially fallen for Pitt football as the offseason transfer portal carousel begins to spin. Wide receiver Zion Fowler-El, a redshirt sophomore, announced Tuesday morning that he’s entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility left.
Fowler-El made his intentions public via social media, thanking the University of Pittsburgh, his coaches, teammates, and support staff for their role in his development. The New Jersey native said the decision came after “careful thought, prayer and conversations with family.”
It’s a move that officially kicks off Pitt’s portal activity ahead of the upcoming January 2nd opening date, even if players around the country have already begun declaring their intentions. And while Fowler-El’s name is the first to surface from the Panthers’ roster, it almost certainly won’t be the last.
A Glimpse of Potential That Never Fully Blossomed
Fowler-El’s 2025 season hinted at promise but ultimately didn’t translate into a breakout campaign. He appeared in eight games, catching seven passes for 60 yards and one touchdown - that score coming in Pitt’s 48-7 blowout win over Boston College on October 4th.
His overall numbers may not jump off the page, but there was buzz surrounding him during fall camp. Fowler-El made a splash in preseason practices with a handful of highlight-reel plays that had coaches and teammates taking notice. Back in August, he spoke with confidence about his goals: “I was just trying to do the best I can, whether it’s juking, catching the ball, getting upfield… whatever I could do to put my name out there.”
That flash, however, didn’t quite carry over into regular-season production.
From St. Peter’s Prep to Pitt
Fowler-El came to Pitt as a three-star recruit out of St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey, part of the 2023 signing class.
His recruitment had some twists - he initially committed to the Panthers under former wide receivers coach Tiquan Underwood, decommitted briefly, and then signed in December 2022. Along the way, he held offers from programs like Duke, Louisville, Michigan State, and Syracuse.
After three seasons in the program and 12 total game appearances, Fowler-El is now looking for a fresh start. Wherever he lands next, he’ll bring two years of eligibility and a chip on his shoulder.
Pitt’s WR Room: Deep, Young, and Still Evolving
Pitt’s wide receiver group has been in flux the past few seasons, and that trend continues into 2026. The Panthers aren’t short on bodies - they signed three receivers in the 2025 class and added four more in the most recent cycle. That gives the coaching staff plenty of options as they look to reshape the offense around quarterback Mason Heintschel.
There’s a solid foundation returning, too. Kenny Johnson led the team in receiving with 48 catches for 695 yards and five touchdowns and has one more year of eligibility.
Blue Hicks, who started every game this past season, has two years left. The Panthers are also set to get back Censere Lee, who redshirted after being limited by injury.
Still, don’t be surprised if Pitt dips into the portal themselves to add more experience and explosiveness to the position group. With Heintschel showing real promise under center, the staff will want to make sure he has the right weapons around him.
What’s Next
Fowler-El’s decision marks the beginning of what’s expected to be a busy month for roster movement. The official transfer portal window runs from January 2 to January 16, but announcements are already rolling in across the college football landscape.
For Pitt, it’s a time to both manage departures and identify additions. The wide receiver room remains a work in progress, but the pieces are there - and the offseason is just getting started.