⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Pick/market: Here were my biggest takeaways from Pitt's first released depth chart of the season.

- Pick/market: That is likely the only 7-7 (in a 12-game regular season) team we will ever see.

- Pick/market: I don’t really think there’s a problem here.

- QB/DL: Been watching some of these other ACC teams play and here’s my thoughts on them FSU-They should be better than last year, but they also don’t look good.

- Freshman Damon Ferguson turned an impressive camp into an OR listing with upperclassman transfer La'Vell Wright behind starting running back Ja'Kyrian Turner. - Malik Knight and Tony Kinsler share one starting receiver spot, while Bryce Yates is officially behind Cataurus Hicks despite working behind Censere Lee in the slot during camp. - Pitt lists returning defensive ends Isaiah Neal and Jimmy Scott as OR starters with Zach Crothers and Jaeden Moore, while freshmen Josh Pittman and Reston Lehman are the next edge options. - Pitt kept its spring-established linebacker trio intact with Jeremiah Marcelin in the middle between Braylan Lovelace and Alex Sanford. - Transfer Raion Strader is listed ahead of returning standout Shadarian Harrison at cornerback, although the report expects both to play extensively.

- Pitt teammates elected quarterback Mason Heintschel, offensive lineman Ryan Baer, linebacker Braylan Lovelace and safety Cruce Brookins as the 2026 captains. - The captain group gives Pitt designated leadership at quarterback, along the offensive line and at both second- and third-level defensive positions.

- Defensive captains Braylan Lovelace and Cruce Brookins are the anchors of Pitt's 2026 unit. Lovelace moves from middle linebacker back outside after 80 tackles in 2025 and is expected to become the defense's featured linebacker. - Brookins produced 53 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games during an injury-limited 2025. He added weight to handle his physical style over a full season, and new safeties coach Harlon Barnett already rates him among the best players he has coached at the position. - Pitt's defense noticeably missed Brookins when he was unavailable last year, making his durability a key variable for the secondary's floor. He and Lovelace are also expected to provide more vocal leadership. - Sean FitzSimmons returns with 19 starts over the past two seasons to anchor the defensive line, while Auburn transfer Raion Strader is expected to start at corner after an eye-opening offseason.

- Redshirt freshman Jordan Fields has moved from offensive tackle to tight end late in camp, giving Pitt a 6-foot-4, 265-pound blocking body who has also begun taking routes and catches in individual work. - Fields did not play in 2025, so the move is developmental rather than proof he has entered the top tight-end rotation. - The official number update also aligned key personnel for game week, including Ja'Kyrian Turner at No. 9, Malik Knight at No. 7 and Holden Geriner at No. 15.

- Sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel was elected captain by the full team, reinforcing that Pitt's offense is already being led by him rather than treating him as a developing underclassman. - Safety Cruce Brookins gives the defense a clear on-field organizer; Narduzzi said the unit's presence changes when Brookins is available. - All four captains are homegrown Panthers: Heintschel, tackle Ryan Baer, linebacker Braylan Lovelace and Brookins, a useful continuity signal for a roster built with fewer incoming transfers. - The new fifth-year rule leaves Lovelace and B.J. Williams with 2027 eligibility decisions; Lovelace currently appears inclined to preserve the option unless his draft outlook is strong enough to leave.