The Panthers’ best season in 40 years has opened a window of success to build on. Given the era of the transfer portal, Pitt knew it had the chance to continue to build on this season through adding to the roster externally.

Pitt fell to the Michigan State Spartans 31-21 on Thursday night despite holding the Spartans to just 56 yards rushing.

Redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett announced Thursday night that he would forgo Pitt’s Peach Bowl matchup and instead begin preparing for the NFL Draft, confirming his record-breaking career at Pitt was over.

Scrolling down to the bottom of Pitt redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett’s Instagram, you’d find a post with a simple message — “One day, I want to honestly say, ‘I made it.’”

To learn more about the Panthers’ upcoming opponent, The Pitt News talked with Jared Ramsey, a sports writer at Michigan State’s student newspaper, The State News.

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation named Pitt sophomore wide receiver Jordan Addison the winner of the 2021 Biletnikoff Award on Thursday evening.

The Spartan running game will test Pitt’s defense in the Peach Bowl, but the Panthers, led by Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny Pickett, appear poised to exploit Michigan State’s weak secondary.

Pitt experienced its most successful season in recent history this year, with double digits wins for the first time since 1981 and winning its first ACC Championship. Although the Panthers’ season doesn’t conclude until Dec. 30 at the Peach Bowl, here are some superlatives for the 2021 football season.

Pitt offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple resigned from his post this morning. He is not expected to coach in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 30 vs. Michigan State.

After setting numerous records, winning 10 regular season games and the ACC Championship Game, redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett is a Heisman Trophy finalist.