Pat Narduzzi enters his 12th season following an 8-5 campaign, with offensive coordinator Kade Bell entering his third season and Mason Heintschel returning as the starting quarterback. Ja’Kyrian Turner returns after leading Pitt with 62 rushing yards per game last season. The Panthers must replace leading receivers Raphael Williams and Kenny Johnson, leaving several new roles to fill in the receiving corps. Blue Hicks returns with 37 career receptions, while Western Carolina transfer Malik Knight joins the group as another option. The offensive line returns full-time starters BJ Williams and Ryan Baer after each making 13 starts last season, while Kendall Stanley and Ryan Carretta each made seven. Keith Gouveia also returns after starting all four games he appeared in during 2025.

Cory Sanders was promoted from secondary coach to defensive coordinator with Pitt returning five of its top eleven tacklers from last season. The defensive front returns Jimmy Scott after making 12 starts, along with Isaiah Neal and Sean FitzSimmons after making nine apiece. Braylan Lovelace returns at linebacker after making 13 starts. The secondary brings back Cruce Brookins after making eight starts and Shadarian Harrison after making five, while Cameron Lindsey and Shawn Lee Jr. also return.

Mike Priefer takes over as special teams coordinator with Pitt replacing its primary contributors at kicker, punter, and in the return game. Northern Arizona transfer Sam Hunsaker and Western Illinois transfer Antonio Chadha are among the options at placekicker, while the Panthers will also break in a new punter. Blue Hicks is among the candidates to contribute in the return game. Pitt enters 2026 with continuity at quarterback, running back, and along much of the offensive line, while replacing significant production at receiver. The Panthers return five of last season’s top eleven tacklers but will work several new contributors into the secondary and special-teams units.