Spring football almost feels like a contradiction — two words that don’t seem to naturally go together.
Traditionalists will tell you football belongs in the fall. But coaches love spring ball for the groundwork it lays ahead of summer camp and for how it helps identify emerging talent — and, sometimes, those whose playing days may soon be over.
Still, when players lock in during the spring, they’re better prepared for whatever summer throws their way.
Over the course of Pitt’s 14 spring practices — with the final session coming Saturday during the Blue-Gold Game at Acrisure Stadium — several takeaways have emerged:
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The wide receiver group is deep, even if a lot of that talent is young.
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Coach Pat Narduzzi has made smart moves in the transfer portal, especially up front, where offensive linemen Jeff Persi and Kendall Stanley look like potential starters.
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The pass rush shows promise, boosted by portal additions like Jaeden Moore, Blaine Spires, and Joey Zelinsky.
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Young quarterbacks and running backs have shown flashes, but Pitt’s best bet to build on last season’s 7-6 record lies in keeping Eli Holstein and Desmond Reid healthy.
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There’s real camaraderie. Players celebrate practice wins — catches, picks, big plays — like they’re game-day moments. “You can just feel the energy out there,” Narduzzi said.
It’s too early to say if all this will lead to success in the fall, but the signs are encouraging. As you get one final glimpse of the Panthers before August, here are five more thoughts to keep in mind:
1. “It Comes With the Territory”
Coach Pat Narduzzi is well aware of the implications tied to the upcoming House settlement decision by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken in Oakland, California. If the ruling is approved, schools will need to start allocating about $20.5 million annually to their athletes starting July 1.
Narduzzi acknowledges that navigating these changes is now part of the coaching landscape. Still, he says his primary focus remains on the football program, and it’s not something he dwells on day to day.
Pat Narduzzi knows the college football landscape is changing fast. With a federal judge expected to approve the House settlement, schools could soon be paying around $20.5 million annually to athletes.
While Narduzzi admits it’s part of the job now, his focus remains on the field.
“After Saturday, we’ll have those conversations,” he said. “I’ve got people handling that. My job is to coach football.”
Some big-name coaches have stepped away from the profession because of the growing off-field demands. Not Narduzzi.
“I like a challenge,” he said. “There’s always going to be change — whether it’s rules on the field or off. You hope it gets sorted out. But I’ve got great support from Chancellor Joan Gabel and AD Alan Greene. Alan’s been incredible helping us navigate it all. Hopefully, we just keep improving.”
In short: Narduzzi isn’t going anywhere — he loves the game too much to let even sweeping changes drive him out.
2. Receiver Room Getting Crowded (In a Good Way)
Offensive coordinator Kade Bell sees a deeper, more reliable group of wide receivers this spring than he did last season.
“Last year, we had maybe four or five guys we trusted. This year, we’re closer to seven or eight,” Bell said.
Injuries will sideline veterans like Poppi Williams, Censere Lee, and Florida State transfer Deuce Spann on Saturday. But Narduzzi expects them ready by summer.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on returners Kenny Johnson and Zion Fowler-El, plus newcomers like freshmen Tony Kinsler, Bryce Yates, Cam Sapp, and transfers Andy Jean and Cataurus Hicks.
“That freshman class of wideouts we brought in is pretty special,” Narduzzi said.
3. Big Year Ahead for Baer?
Junior offensive tackle Ryan Baer could be on the verge of a breakout season.
According to Bell, Baer was already back in the weight room over winter break, just days after the Panthers’ bowl game.
“He felt like he left something on the field last year,” Bell said. “Now, he really gets what we’re trying to do. He’s been consistent all spring.”
Baer is known for being his own toughest critic — a trait that coaches love in a leader.
4. New Names, Familiar Tradition
Defensive coordinator Randy Bates spotlighted a few emerging defenders who could make waves this fall.
Linebacker Cameron Lindsey, an Aliquippa product, has made big strides and could be a key rotational piece behind Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles. With Biles currently out, Lindsey’s role may expand sooner than expected.
“Kyle can’t play every snap,” Bates said. “But I don’t think we’ll see much drop-off.”
At safety, Cruce Brookins and Javon McIntyre are following in the footsteps of Pitt greats like Damar Hamlin and Jordan Whitehead.
“Cruce is a playmaker — his helmet’s covered in stickers,” Bates said. “He just keeps growing. If he can bring that energy to the fall, who knows how far he can go?”
And McIntyre? “He’s calm, makes the calls, controls the back end. When our safeties are good, we’re good.”
5. Who Wins the Spring Game? Depends Who You Ask
Narduzzi isn’t picking sides in Saturday’s Blue-Gold Game, though the Gold team — with Eli Holstein at QB and the first-team offensive line — is reportedly a slight favorite.
But the Blue defense is stacked. Tackles Sean FitzSimmons and Nick James, edge rusher Jimmy Scott, and linebackers Kyle Louis and Braylan Lovelace give the unit a strong presence.
“I don’t care who wins,” Narduzzi said. “If it’s 7-0, I’m happy for the defense. If it’s 54-51, I’m happy for the offense — but asking what the heck the defense was doing.”
His main goal? “I’m rooting for Pitt to stay healthy.”
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