Pittsburgh Panthers News

View our full coverage of National Signing Day at ACC Signing Day Central

Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi

Total Number of Commitments: 23

When it comes to reeling in gridiron talent, Pittsburgh holds a significant advantage in some ways while it’s at a considerable disadvantage in others. On one hand, the Panthers are rarely the center of attention in a city that’s dominated by professional sports, and 35 years have passed since the program was last a legitimate threat at the national level. On the other hand, Western Pennsylvania produces quite a bit of quality football talent every year, and those players will recognize many of the biggest names that came through Pitt.

Larry Fitzgerald, Darrelle Revis, Aaron Donald and LeSean McCoy are just some of the players on an impressive list of former Panthers starring in the NFL today, while older names like Dan Marino and Tony Dorsett still resonate with recruits. It serves as a major plus when prospects view your school as a path to the next level, and that’s a pitch that Pitt can use.

Since becoming the team’s head coach in December 2014, Pat Narduzzi has brought a new energy to the program, particularly on the recruiting trail. Just one year after putting the finishing touches on a class that ranked last in the ACC according to Rivals.com recruiting rankings, his 2016 group is one of the best Pittsburgh has signed in the last five years. The staff also held on to multiple key commitments despite losing offensive coordinator Jim Chaney in December.