Lyke talks football scheduling, gambling and campus returns
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 24, 2020
Athletic Director Heather Lyke said she is not encouraged by the way the COVID-19 pandemic mitigation is progressing. As cases continue to rise across the country — particularly in Pitt’s home of Allegheny County — she offered a pessimistic, yet not definitive answer to what she called “the million dollar question” — will college football be played in 2020?
Trio of Panthers pegged as Bednarik Award contenders
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 14, 2020
A trio of Pitt football defenders — redshirt junior safety Paris Ford, redshirt junior defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman and senior defensive end Patrick Jones II — were named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist Monday.
Darlow details plans for Pitt football partnership
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
June 3, 2020
The Panthers recently announced a partnership with Jeremy Darlow, a brand-marketing executive of 15 years, who detailed his plan for helping athletes prepare for a life after sports on a Zoom media call last Friday.
Pitt football announces plan for student-athletes return beginning June 8
By Alex Lehmbeck, Senior Staff Writer
May 29, 2020
Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke announced Friday that Pitt football student-athletes will begin to return to campus on June 8 for voluntary offseason workouts. The players’ return to campus will mark the start of the first phase of reopening for Pitt athletics in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jones, Twyman have sights set on 2020 season
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
May 20, 2020
For most people, control is in short supply right now. Stay-at-home orders, business closures and quarantines are expected to extend well into the summer and timelines for a return to normalcy are fluid. It can be easy to lose focus on the world beyond COVID-19, but Pitt senior defensive end Patrick Jones II said he believes in that future, and its dependence upon his present.
Pitt football powers through pandemic recruiting
By Kyle Saxon, Staff Writer
May 13, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions of employed Americans to adapt to work from home, and the realm of college sports is no different. Coaches face numerous unfamiliar tasks, which include keeping in touch with athletes, solving scheduling challenges and — above all else — virtual recruiting.
Jackson selected by Buffalo in NFL Draft’s seventh round
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
April 25, 2020
Former Pitt defensive back Dane Jackson was selected 239th overall in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft on Saturday by the Buffalo Bills.
Pitt hosts virtual Panthers’ Choice Awards amidst pandemic
By Marshall Worth, Staff Writer
April 16, 2020
Pitt Athletics hosted its third annual Panthers' Choice Awards Wednesday, celebrating student-athlete achievements in academics, athletics and citizenship.
Former Pitt DE Hendrix signs with Steelers
By Alex Lehmbeck, Senior Staff Writer
March 30, 2020
Former Pitt defensive end Dewayne Hendrix has signed with the hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced Monday afternoon.
Pitt football holds first spring session of 2020
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
March 3, 2020
No starting jobs were won or lost during Pitt’s first official spring practice, though several team developments were revealed.