The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor

All content by Dalton Coppola
Senior defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado at Pitt footballs first practice of training camp on Monday.

Panthers ranked No. 16 in USA Today’s AFCA Coaches’ Poll

August 8, 2022
Head coach Pat Narduzzi at Pitt footballs first practice of training camp on Monday.

‘Going hunting ourselves’: Panthers look to prove they’re more than one-hit-wonders

August 2, 2022
Acrisure Stadium, formerly called Heinz Field, in North Shore.

ESPN’s College Gameday to hold show in Pittsburgh ahead of Backyard Brawl

July 21, 2022
Acrisure Stadium, formerly called Heinz Field, in North Shore.

Acrisure Insurance buys naming rights to Steelers, Pitt venue on North Shore

July 12, 2022
ACC to do away with two-division structure, move to ‘3-5-5’ structure starting in 2023

ACC to do away with two-division structure, move to ‘3-5-5’ structure starting in 2023

June 29, 2022
Pitt players line up during the Blue vs. Gold spring football game in April.

Column | Pitt football doesn’t need to change its uniforms

June 21, 2022
Former Panther Aaron Donald gets big raise, becomes highest paid defensive player in NFL history

Former Panther Aaron Donald gets big raise, becomes highest paid defensive player in NFL history

June 8, 2022
Pitt senior infielder Jeffrey Wehler (2) runs during Wednesdays game in the ACC Baseball Tournament against Georgia Tech in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Pitt baseball advances to ACC Tournament semifinals

May 25, 2022
Pitt players line up during the Blue vs. Gold spring football game in April.

Column | What to expect from Pitt’s offense in 2022 sans Pickett, Addison, Whipple

May 24, 2022
Pitt redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) runs with the ball during the first half of Saturday evening’s ACC Championship game against Wake Forest University at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Steelers draft former Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett No. 20 overall in 2022 NFL Draft

April 28, 2022
Louis Riddick on the set of SportsCenter during ESPNs coverage of Super Bowl LVI in Anaheim, California in February.

‘Just one big family’: Louis Riddick talks commencement speech, Pitt football and Kenny Pickett

April 21, 2022
Pitt senior pitcher Matt Gilbertson (45) pitches during Friday’s game against the University of Virginia.

Pitt sporting events to watch during finals week

April 20, 2022
Alex Officer: Molding the next proud Pitt men

Alex Officer: Molding the next proud Pitt men

April 17, 2022
Former Pitt linebacker John Petrishen participated in the broad jump at NFL Pro Day on March 21.

Johnny Petrishen poised to get his shot in NFL

April 15, 2022
Redshirt sophomore defensive back Jehvonn Lewis (41), left, and wide receiver junior Jaylon Barden (10) at the Blue vs. Gold spring football game on Saturday.

Nick Patti, linebackers standout in Pitt Spring Game as special teams, Kedon Slovis struggle

April 12, 2022
Jaylon Barden (10), a junior wide receiver, goes up for a pass against Jehvonn Lewis (41), a redshirt sophomore defensive back, at Pitts spring game on Saturday.

Defenses dominate Pitt Spring Game, Gold takes down Blue 10-7

April 9, 2022
Heinz Field.

‘Lot of pieces to put together’: Narduzzi looks for players to stand out in Blue-Gold Game

April 5, 2022
Head football coach Pat Narduzzi smiles during NFL Pro Day last Monday.

‘Pitt is truly home’: Narduzzi signs contract extension through 2030 season

March 28, 2022
Pittsburgh quarterback Davis Beville (17) looks to pass against Michigan State during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.

Pitt quarterback Davis Beville enters transfer portal

March 24, 2022
Pitt football head coach Pat Narduzzi at spring practice in 2021.

‘Detail and discipline’: Panthers put historic 2021 season in rearview, preparing for 2022 with spring practices

March 4, 2022
Christian Spears will depart Pitt and become athletic director at Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia.

Christian Spears to leave Pitt, become Marshall University’s athletic director

February 21, 2022
Pitt senior guard Jayla Everett (20) at Thursday’s game against Boston College at the Petersen Events Center.

Jayla Everett dismissed from Pitt women’s basketball, program announces

February 21, 2022
Pat Narduzzi’s coaches at a game against the University of Delaware’s on Sept. 21, 2019.

Column | It’s time to give Pat Narduzzi the credit he deserves

February 4, 2022
A bag of Pitt footballs at a Pitt football game.

Pitt to open 2022 season against West Virginia at Heinz Field

January 31, 2022
The Pitt Athletics official instagram page keeps followers up to date on Pitt sports schedules, tickets and more.

Pitt Athletics looks to capitalize on social media through its teams’ success

January 28, 2022
Emily Boissonneault is Pitt’s first-ever head lacrosse coach.

‘Didn’t hesitate’: Boissonneault embraces challenge of building Pitt lacrosse program

January 12, 2022
Pittsburgh quarterback Davis Beville (17) looks to pass against Michigan State during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, in Atlanta.

Pitt’s ‘next man up’ mentality not enough in Peach Bowl, fall to Michigan State 31-21

December 30, 2021
Redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) looks to throw the ball at the Pitt vs. Miami game.

Pickett opts out of Peach Bowl to prepare for NFL Draft, ending Pitt career

December 17, 2021
Heisman trophy finalists, from left, Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young stand for a photo with the Heisman Trophy before attending the award ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in New York.

Alabama’s Bryce Young wins Heisman Trophy, Pickett places third

December 11, 2021
Heisman Trophy finalist Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett speaks during a news conference before attending the Heisman Trophy award ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in New York.

‘Not there yet’: Ahead of Heisman ceremony, Pickett looks to keep climbing after college

December 11, 2021
The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation named Pitt sophomore wide receiver Jordan Addison the winner of the 2021 Biletnikoff Award on Thursday evening.

Addison wins Biletnikoff Award, first Panther since 2003

December 9, 2021
Pitt redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) runs with the ball during the first half of Saturday evening’s ACC Championship game against Wake Forest University at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Kenny Pickett named Heisman finalist, invited to New York ceremony

December 6, 2021
Defensive back Erick Hallett II (31) yells after being named the most valuable player of the ACC Championship game.

Pitt to play No. 10 Michigan State in Peach Bowl game on Dec. 30

December 5, 2021
Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) holds up the ACC Championship trophy as the Pitt Panthers are showered in confetti.

Pitt defense locks down Hartman, wins first ever ACC Football Championship

December 5, 2021
Sophomore running back Israel Abanikanda after scoring at the ACC Championship Game on Saturday night.

Pitt football claims first ACC football title

December 5, 2021
The skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina, looks over the ACC Fan Fest on Saturday afternoon.

‘Pittsburgh has invaded Charlotte’: Former players, alumni have high expectations for ACC Championship game

December 4, 2021
Staff cleans up after the ACC Football Fan Fest on Friday night in Charlotte, North Carolina, the night before No. 17 Pitt plays in the ACC Championship against No. 18 Wake Forest.

Pitt fans take Charlotte by storm on eve of ACC Championship

December 3, 2021
Redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) looks to throw the ball at the Pitt vs. Miami game.

ACC names Pickett as offensive, overall Player of the Year

December 1, 2021
Head football coach Pat Narduzzi yells during the Pitt vs. UNH game on Sept 25.

Pitt rises to No. 15 in second-to-last College Football Playoff rankings

December 1, 2021
Kenny Pickett practices throwing the ball on the sidelines of the Pitt vs. UNH game in September.

‘As authentic as it comes’: Former coaches reflect on Pickett’s career

December 1, 2021
Pittsburghs Jordan Addison (3) returns a punt during the first half of the teams NCAA college football game against Virginia, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Pittsburgh.

Pitt clinches Coastal Division, books ticket to Charlotte for ACC Championship Game

November 20, 2021
Pitt cornerback Jason Pinnock (15) tries to stop Virginia wide receiver Hasise Dubois (8) reaching for the end zone for a touchdown during Pitt’s game against the Virginia Cavaliers in September 2019.

Pitt welcomes Virginia to town with Coastal title on the line

November 19, 2021
Kenny Pickett (8) runs with the ball at a game against Western Michigan at Heinz Field on Sept. 18.

Pickett named top-five finalist for prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

November 19, 2021
Kenny Pickett (8) throws the ball during the Pitt vs. UNH game on Sept. 25 at Heinz Field.

Pitt super seniors look to avenge 2018 team, win ACC Championship

November 17, 2021
Pitt jumped five spots from No. 25 to 20 in the latest Associated Press top 25 football poll.

Pitt claws way back into top 20, comes in at No. 20 in AP, No. 18 in CFP polls

November 17, 2021
Pitt sophomore running back Israel Abanikanda (2) runs with the ball at Thursday evening’s game against UNC.

Panthers outlast Tar Heels in overtime thriller, win 30-23

November 12, 2021
Quarterback Sam Howell, pictured, and the UNC Tar Heels will come to Heinz Field to take on the Panthers on Thursday evening.

Pitt prepares for clash of highly touted prospects Pickett, Howell

November 10, 2021
Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi.

Pitt football jumps back into AP Top 25 after beating Duke

November 9, 2021
Redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) looks to throw the ball at the Pitt vs. Miami game.

‘We control our own destiny’: Panthers destroy Duke 54-29

November 6, 2021
Duke quarterback Gunnar Holmberg (12) throws the ball during the first half of a game against Wake Forest University at Wake Forest’s Truist Field in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Saturday.

Preview | Panthers look to move on from Miami, bounce back against Duke

November 4, 2021
Pitt Panther Davis Beville (17) takes off his helmet during the Pitt vs. UNH game in September at Heinz Field.

Pitt falls out of AP top 25, comes in at No. 25 in first CFP rankings

November 2, 2021
Pitt’s redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws the ball to Pitt’s Jared Wayne (5), junior wide receiver, at Saturday’s game against the University of Miami at Heinz Field.

Takeaways | Panthers still in position to have a historic season

October 31, 2021
Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) pitches the ball to running back Jaylan Knighton during a football game against North Carolina State at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. on Saturday.

Preview | Pitt looks to avoid post-Clemson hangover against the Hurricanes

October 28, 2021
Marquis Williams (14) celebrates with other Panthers during the Pitt vs. WMU football game in September.

Column | Pitt’s loss to WMU may be the best thing that could have happened

October 27, 2021
Defensive back Hudson Primus (35) and wide receiver John Vardzel (83) celebrate with fans at Heinz Field after Saturdays victory against Clemson.

Panthers move up six spots to No. 17 in latest AP football top-25 poll

October 24, 2021
Sophomore wide receiver Jaylon Barden (10) lunges away from a Clemson defender and toward the sideline at Saturdays game at Heinz Field.

Pickett picks apart Clemson, Pitt defeats Tigers 27-17

October 23, 2021
Running back Vincent Davis (22) carries the ball during the Pitt vs. New Hampshire football game on Sept. 25.

Preview | ‘They’re still Clemson’: Panthers prepare to welcome Tigers

October 19, 2021
Pitt football came in at No. 23 in the country in the latest Associated Press top-25 college football poll.

Panthers ranked No. 23 in AP top-25 poll

October 17, 2021
Sophomore running back Israel Abanikanda (2) carries the football against the New Hampshire Wildcats at Heinz Field on Sept. 25.

Panthers go down to Blacksburg and make a statement, defeat Hokies 28-7

October 16, 2021
Pitt football head coach Pat Narduzzi spoke to the media on Monday to preview the Panthers upcoming matchup with Virginia Tech.

Narduzzi talks defending the RPO and preparing for ACC road test against Virginia Tech

October 12, 2021
Campus Mogul, an agency that provides athletes with a platform to build their personal brands, has already attracted dozens of NCAA athletes including five Pitt football players.

Agencies aim to help athletes capitalize on NIL laws

October 6, 2021
Jordan Addison (3) and Kenny Pickett (8) celebrate the first touchdown at the Oct. 3, 2020 game against NC State.

Pitt, Pickett put the ACC on notice after defeating Georgia Tech 52-21

October 2, 2021
Fans wonder if Pitt’s defense will live up to their expectations at Saturday’s Pitt vs. GT game. Head coach Pat Narduzzi says defense isn’t just about “schemes” — it’s about “attitudes.”

Preview | ‘Preseason is over’: Panthers to open conference play against Georgia Tech

October 1, 2021
Pitt Panther Vincent Davis carries the ball down the sideline during the Pitt vs. UNH football game.

Panthers send message against UNH, gain confidence before ACC play

September 28, 2021
Brandon Hill (9) celebrates during the Pitt vs. Western Michigan game last Saturday.

Preview | Narduzzi, Panthers look to avoid another letdown on Saturday against UNH

September 21, 2021
Standing at just 5-foot-9, Marquis Williams (14) has the odds stacked against him as a defensive back. But he doesn’t let that impact his attitude, claiming he makes up for his lack of size through his “lion heart.”

Marquis Williams sets himself apart with a ‘lion heart’

September 21, 2021
Quarterback Kenny Pickett in action at last Saturday’s game against UMass.

Pitt pulls out a win in Johnny Majors Classic, defeating Tennessee 41-34

September 11, 2021
The Pitt Panthers will match up against the Tennessee Volunteers this Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

Preview | Pitt prepares for early season road test against Tennessee Volunteers

September 9, 2021
Seventh-year John Petrishen left Pittsburgh to pursue a career as safety at Penn State. But Petrishen, pictured on the left, came home to Pitt, this time as a linebacker.

After transferring and changing positions, John Petrishen sets out to prove himself right

September 7, 2021
A.J. Davis Jr., a redshirt senior running back, receives and runs the football for a 12-yard touchdown during the UMass game Saturday afternoon.

Pitt dominates UMass 51-7, led by strong defensive front seven

September 4, 2021
Pitt football will kick off its season against UMass this Saturday at Heinz Field in front of a full capacity crowd for the first time since 2019.

Preview | Pitt football to kick off season at home against UMass

September 2, 2021
Pitt football received a $20 million donation — the largest single donation in Pitt Athletics history, the department announced Thursday morning.

Pitt football receives $20 million donation, renames head coaching position

September 2, 2021
Tre Tipton’s battles extend well beyond the football field — the seventh-year Panthers wide receiver wrestled with anxiety and depression for nearly his whole life.

‘How’s everybody doing?’: Tre Tipton works to end mental health stigma for athletes

August 31, 2021
Sophomore running back Israel Abanikanda (2) at Pitt football’s training camp on Thursday.

Uncertainty surrounding defensive back, kicker positions as Pitt football wraps up training camp

August 26, 2021
Dalton Coppola (left) and Stephen Thompson (right) are the sports editors for the 2021-22 academic year.

Meet the editors: Sports

August 26, 2021
From sleeping in his junior college’s stadium press box to being one of the most well-respected young assistant coaches in the nation, Brennan Marion is ready to lead the wide receivers in his inaugural campaign with the Panthers.

After taking detour from his NFL dreams, Brennan Marion is back home to lead Pitt’s receivers

August 24, 2021
Universities, conferences and the NCAA have reaped major financial benefits from the efforts of college athletes. Their “amateur” status prevented them from being paid for more than 100 years — but times are changing.

Uncertainty defines first month of new NIL rules

August 17, 2021
Fifth-year Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett is rolling into the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side with a new set of wheels this season.

Pickett gets new ride in NIL deal with Bowser Automotive

August 11, 2021
Heather Lyke, Pitts athletic director, speaks at a January 2020 press conference.

New NIL rules met with uncertainty, excitement for Pitt Athletics

July 1, 2021
Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi and his staff racked up four verbal commitments just this weekend after players took their official visits to the Steel City.

Pitt football off to lively start in 2022 class recruiting period

June 30, 2021
Quarterback Kenny Pickett could have left for the NFL Draft, but after falling in love with Pittsburgh, he opted to spend another year in the Steel City.

Kenny Pickett, preparing for final campaign, isn’t ready to leave Pittsburgh just yet

June 24, 2021
The Supreme Court voted on Monday against the NCAA’s rule preventing universities from providing educational benefits past $5,000 to each player. This ruling takes another step towards college athletes being eligible to be paid for their athletic performance.

Supreme Court unanimously rules against NCAA’s cap on student-athlete educational compensation

June 23, 2021
Fans have clamored for the College Football Playoff to expand past four teams for years and it seems they may get their wish.

New College Football Playoff format proposed ahead of 2021-22 season

June 15, 2021
Matt Wilson, pictured, is one of four Panthers that will compete in the 4x400m relay event at the National Outdoor Track and Field meet in Oregon on Wednesday.

Pitt sends four athletes to national meet to compete in 4x400m relay

June 9, 2021
Despite an impressive resumé, Pitt was left out of the National College Baseball Tournament. The Panthers will be forced to watch the tournament from home as several teams they have beaten themselves compete for a national title.

Panthers fail to earn bid to national baseball tournament

June 2, 2021
Pitt came into their ACC Baseball Tournament slate on Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina against the North Carolina Tarheels as losers in eight of their last 10 to finish their regular season. As the No. 10 seed, the lowest seed in their pool, a loss would send the Panthers back to Pittsburgh empty handed.

Panthers keep ACC Title hopes alive with 5-3 win over UNC

May 26, 2021
After a roller-coaster of a season, Pitt’s baseball program earned itself a spot in the ACC Tournament in Charlotte N.C. Pitt enters the tournament as the No. 10 seed, placed in Pool C along with the No. 3 NC State Wolfpack and the No. 6 North Carolina Tar Heels.

Panthers look to rediscover early-season magic ahead of ACC Tournament

May 24, 2021
Sophomore forward Justin Champagnie (11) finished second in points per game and first in rebounds per game in the ACC. In comparison to last season, he increased his scoring average from 12.7 to 18.4 points per game, and his rebounding average from 7.0 to 11.1 per game.

Justin Champagnie declares for NBA Draft

May 10, 2021
The Panthers fell 8-2, as they were out-dueled on the mound and out-slugged by the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Panthers fall to Mountaineers in Backyard Brawl

May 6, 2021
The Panthers are preparing to conclude their spring practices with a final scrimmage in their annual Spring Game at Heinz Field on Saturday.

Column | Final year with Pickett provides chance to return to former glory

April 21, 2021
Pitt football head coach Pat Narduzzi at spring practice.

Staff Q&A: Pitt football prepares for 2021 Spring Game

April 21, 2021
Edge rusher Rashad Weaver registered 35 tackles, 14.5 of which were for a loss of yardage, on top of 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2020.

Prediction: Final NFL draft destinations for Pitt stars

April 12, 2021
Pitt baseball beat West Virginia 5-1 on Tuesday, ending a six-game losing streak against the Backyard Brawl rival.

Strong pitching, explosive third inning ends Panthers’ Backyard Brawl losing spell

April 7, 2021
Pitt defeated No. 25 Florida State 3-1 on Friday, improving to 9-0 in the spring portion of the season

Starks’ career day extinguishes the Seminoles as Pitt wins ninth straight

March 26, 2021
For the second time this season and third time in the last three years, No. 1 Pitt men’s soccer fell to No. 4 Clemson.

Preview: Panthers’ offensive firepower to overpower shaky Hokies

March 26, 2021
Jordan McCrum is a senior relief pitcher for Pitt baseball. McCrum transferred to Pitt from Monmouth University last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, which entails reconstructing the ulnar collateral ligament within the elbow by replacing it with a ligament from elsewhere in the body.

Pitt closer Jordan McCrum returns with consistency from Tommy John surgery

March 24, 2021
Pitt Athletics announced in 2019 that it would begin allowing alcohol sales at the Petersen Events Center.

Pitt Athletics stands to gain big from alcohol sales at the Pete

March 23, 2021
Mike McGuirl (00) of the Kansas State Wildcats controls the ball as Davion Mitchell (45) of the Baylor Bears defends during the quarterfinal game of the Big 12 basketball tournament at the T-Mobile Center on March 11 in Kansas City, Missouri.

March Madness Conference Power Rankings: Big 12 boasts unparalleled depth

March 17, 2021
Felix Wolter (top) and Greg Lauray will compete in the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship in Fayetteville, Arkansas, this weekend. Wolter, a fifth-year, will compete in the heptathlon and Lauray, a senior, will compete in the high jump.

Roommates Felix Wolter, Greg Lauray set high expectations ahead of NCAA Championships

March 10, 2021
Senior forward Terrell Brown, the lone player honored on Senior Day at the Pete on Tuesday, opened the scoring with a dunk.

Sibande’s 23 points sink Demon Deacons on Senior Day

March 3, 2021
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