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The University of Pittsburgh has a rich tradition of football that began in 1890. The Pitt Panthers are Nine-Time National Champions and many of the greatest players in the history of the game started their journey at Pitt.
Pitt boasts 100 First Team All-Americans, 25 members in the College Football Hall of Fame, and ten Panthers have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with more to follow in the near future.
NGSC Sports provides you the ultimate Pitt GameDay Preview, where Panther fans turn to learn everything there is to know about Pitt and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation) brings you inside the huddle for both teams, including the Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary, Game Prediction, GameDay Information, Broadcast Information, and a complete breakdown of each team, including the latest injury report.
Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff! The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
On Saturday, December 27th, the Pitt Panthers will take on the East Carolina Pirates (8-4) in the Military Bowl, at Navy-Marines Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. Kickoff is at 11:00 AM.
It may not be the destination the Panthers (8-4) were hoping for, but hopefully it’s a springboard to the 2026 season that ends on a positive note, and a bright future ahead.
The Panthers come into this game almost at full strength, as only Desmond Reid and Kyle Louis will be absent, as both have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Reid was electric at running back, rushing for 278 yards and two touchdowns, adding 23 receptions for 317 and two more touchdowns. He also averaged 21 yards a punt return with one that went to the house in the season opener. Louis was exceptional at linebacker, recording 77 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions. He was a true leader on the defense, but luckily for Pitt, Cameron Lindsay is more than ready to showcase his skills in place of Louis.
East Carolina won’t be as lucky, as they’ll be missing four key starters on offense. Quarterback Katin Houser, who passed for 3,300 yards, 19 touchdowns and six interceptions, running back London Montgomery, who had 742 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, receiver Yannick Smith who was 2nd on the team with 44 receptions, and tight end Jayvontay Conner, who was 5th in receptions. All four have entered the transfer portal.
When Pitt has the ball: Mason Heintschel, the freshman from Oregon, Ohio, has passed for 2,098 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown. He’s been sacked 30 times.
Kenny Johnson leads the team with 48 catches for 695 yards and five touchdowns. Poppi Williams is 2nd on the team with 46 receptions for 644 yards and six touchdowns. Blue Hicks is an excellent #3 with 24 receptions for 422 yards and four scores. Either Bryce Yates, Deuce Spann, Tony Kinsler, or Cam Sapp could step in and make plays when called upon.
The tight end group is deep and solid. Justin Holmes has 22 receptions for 201 yards and four TD’s. Malachi Thomas has contributed 11 catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Altsman has five catches for 31 yards and a score. Overman is supposed to be the top guy, but injuries have held him to nine receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown.
Ja’Kyrian “Boosie” Turner is the lead back with 652 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, adding 23 receptions for 142 yards. With Desmond Reid declaring for the NFL Draft, Jalynn Williams and Caleb Williams are likely to see carries behind Turner.
Pitt is averaging 35.1 points a game.
When East Carolina has the ball: The Pirates had a good one at quarterback in Katin Houser. That leaves Mike Wright, Jr., who completed 3 of 7 passes this year for 37 yards as the starter. ECU is Wright’s 4th school he’s played at including stops at Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and Northwestern. Wright’s best year was 2022 with Vandy when he passed for 974 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Chaston Ditta may also see time under center.
At wide receiver, Anthony Smith leads the way with 60 receptions for 897 yards and five touchdowns. Brock Spalding has 41 catches for 554 yards and three touchdowns. With Yannick Smith out, that leaves Jyron Waiters, Payton Mangrum, Tyler Johnson, Kelan Robinson, and Jaquaize Pettaway, who combined for 34 receptions, as options in the ECU passing game.
Desirrio Riles is the top tight end with 28 receptions for 362 yards and two touchdowns. With Jayvontay Conner out, redshirt freshman Miles Parker is now the #2 tight end. Parker, by the way, is listed as a defensive lineman on the ECU roster.
With London Montgomery now gone, Marlon Gunn, Jr., who was 2nd on the team with 532 yards and six touchdowns, will take over as the lead back. T.J. Engleman, Jr., who rushed for 282 yards and a TD, will back up Gunn.
With a full line-up, East Carolina was averaging 33.5 points a game.
The Panther path to victory: No letdowns.
Somewhere, deep down inside, the thoughts of what could have been had to be lingering. Pitt had a chance at getting into the ACC Championship Game with a win over Miami, and would have if they didn’t get spanked 38-7.
Better Bowl destinations were definitely out there, including the Holiday Bowl in San Diego and the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando. Penn State apparently begged out of facing Pitt in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.
The Panthers were left with the scraps at the dinner table, and get a trip to Annapolis, Maryland, where it will be just as cold and blustery as it is at home in Pittsburgh.
So, the only thing left to do is to take out their frustrations on East Carolina, who should be vastly outmatched missing their stud quarterback, and three other offensive starters who were instrumental in their 2025 offense.
One would hope that the Pitt defense will play aggressively and make Mike Wright’s late morning as rough as possible, when he does drop back to pass. I’m expecting the Panthers to play takeaway more than once in this one.
Pitt’s run defense has played well all year, so they should be able to keep 2nd string Marlon Gunn, Jr. under wraps.
I’m counting on Mason Heintschel exploiting a Pirates defense allowing 228 yards a game through the air.
Pitt crushed N.C. State 53-34 in week nine. In the season opener, East Carolina lost 24-17 to the Wolfpack, with C.J. Bailey throwing for 318 yards and a touchdown. BYU’s Bear Bachmeier had 246 yards passing and one TD. Tulane’s Jake Retzlaff torched ECU for 347 yards passing and two touchdowns. UTSA’s Owen McCown had 248 yards and five touchdowns passes. All of these games resulted in losses for East Carolina.
Heintschel undoubtedly wants to end this season on a high note, and with the weapons he has at his disposal, I like Pitt’s chances to overwhelm East Carolina.
Pitt has plenty of talent at the skill positions, and will add to that pool come next season.
It’s the trenches where the Panthers have to drastically improve if they wish to contend with the big boys. There’s a reason Pitt couldn’t keep up against Notre Dame and Miami. The initial 2026 recruiting class looks very promising. It would behoove Pat Narduzzi and staff to scour the portal and bring in as many prospects on the offensive and defensive lines.
Unless Pitt comes out and totally lays an egg, or starts carelessly turning the ball over, they should be able to have this game in hand by the time you start getting hungry for lunch.
Game Prediction: Pitt 41 East Carolina 16
GameDay Information
Military Bowl
Pitt Panthers (8-4) vs East Carolina Pirates (8-4)
Game-time: Saturday, December 27th, at 11:00 AM.
Venue: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD.
Field: Natural Grass
Vegas line: Pitt -10.5
Weather at Kickoff: Cloudy and 39. Winds out of the North at 10 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN (Xfinity: Channel 850 | Dish: 141 | DirecTV: 206)
- Announcers: Jay Alter (play-by-play) Rocky Boiman (analyst) | Madison Fitzpatrick (reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | Dorin Dickerson and Larry Richert (sideline reporters)
National Radio: N/A
- Announcers:
Alternative Broadcasts
- Online Radio: www.audacy.com/stations/937thefan
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM channels 117 or 201
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 8-4 | ACC Record: 6-2 | CFP Rank: Unranked
Previous Game: Miami 38 Pitt 7
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 11th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 80-60
- Bowl Record: 2-5
- ACC Division Titles: 2
- ACC Championships: 1
Pitt Team Links
Pitt Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Kade Bell
- Offensive System: Up-Tempo Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 35.1
- Total offense yards per game: 391.8
- Passing yards per game: 274.8
- Rushing yards per game: 117.0
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Mason Heintschel | #6 | True Freshman
Heintschel was given the keys to the car and he took off like Mario Andretti. The offense, and the team overall, looked completely different. Gifted with a cannon of an arm, and enough quickness to get out of the pocket and gain yards when needed.
Passing Yards: 2,098 | TD Passes: 15 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 30
Rushing Yards: 97 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Back-up: Eli Holstein | #10 | Redshirt Sophomore
Passing Yards: 1,081 | TD Passes: 12 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 9
Rushing Yards: 88 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Ja’Kyrian “Boosie” Turner | #25 | Freshman
True freshman that was ranked as one of the Top 100 Athletes by On3, 247Sports and ESPN. Lead the team with 652 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.
Rushing Yards: 652 | Rushing TD’s: 7
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 142 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jalynn Williams | #35 | Super Senior
Transfer from Western Carolina.
Rushing Yards: 10 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Caleb Williams | #30 | Redshirt Sophomore
Local back from Montour HS.
Rushing Yards: 9 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Johnson looked like the top weapon we all expected with Mason Heintschel at quarterback. Now leading the team with 698 yards receiving.
Receptions: 48 | Receiving Yards: 698 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Poppi Williams, Jr. | #5 | Senior
Williams will be opposite of Johnson and has been one of Pitt’s best weapon in the passing game. 2nd on the team with 654 yards receiving has caught a team leading six touchdowns.
Receptions: 46 | Receiving Yards: 654 | Receiving TD’s: 6
Blue Hicks | #3 | Sophomore
Hicks is a transfer from Louisville and is one of three starters. Made a beautiful one handed touchdown catch in the opener, and is 3rd on the team with four receiving TD’s.
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 422 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Deuce Spann | #22 | Redshirt Senior
Spann is a transfer from Florida State, with good size at 6’4, 210 pounds.
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 142 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Bryce Yates | #80 | Freshman
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 190 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Censere Lee | #11 | Senior
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 80 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tony Kinsler | #17 | Freshman
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 4 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cam Sapp | #84 | Freshman
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Jake Overman | #87 | Redshirt Senior
Overman was thought to be the top tight end, but injuries have limited his stats so far. Caught only touchdown vs Stanford.
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 71 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Malachi Thomas | #82 | Sophomore
Thomas played primarily on special teams last year, but has become a big part of the rotation of tight ends in 2025.
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 156 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Justin Holmes | #88 | Senior
Holmes is a 6’3, 245 pound transfer from Marshall. Leads all tight ends with 22 receptions.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 201 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Josh Altsman | #85 | Redshirt Junior
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 31 | Receiving TD’s: 1
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Jeff Persi | #78 | Senior
LG: Ryan Carretta | #71 | Senior
C: Lyndon Cooper | #56 | Senior
RG: B.J. Williams | #55 | Junior
RT: Ryan Baer | #70 | Junior
Pitt Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Randy Bates
- Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 24.9
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 337.2
- Passing yards allowed: 240.2
- Rushing yards allowed: 97
- Sacks: 28
- Interceptions: 15
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Blaine Spires | #10 | Graduate Transfer
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 2
OR Joey Zelinski | #45 | Senior
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 2
LDT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 1
OR Nick James | #1 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 2
RDT: Francis Brewu | #95 | Sophomore
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 1
OR Isaiah Neal | #2 | Redshirt Sophomore
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 2.5
RDE: Jimmy Scott | #44 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 4.5
LINEBACKERS
Money: Raheem Biles | #3 | Junior
Tackles: 81 | Sacks: 2.5 | INT: 2 | TD: 1
MLB: Braylan Lovelace | #0 | Junior
Tackles: 71 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2 | TD: 1
STAR: Cameron Lindsey | #24 | Redshirt Freshman
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 2
SECONDARY
CB: Tamon Lynum | #8 | Super Senior
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
OR Shawn Lee, Jr. | #28 | Freshman
Tackles: 29 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7 | Redshirt Senior
Tackles: 44 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
SS: Cruce Brookins | #12 | Redshirt Sophomore
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
CB: Rashad Battle | #15 | Super Senior
Tackles: 39 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
OR Shadarian Harrison | #21 | Sophomore
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
NB: Kavir Bains-Marquez | #23 | Super Senior
Tackles: 55 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Trey Butkowski | #93 | Freshman
Extra Points: 41-42
Field Goals: 19-22
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 4-4
- 30-39 yards: 9-9
- 40-49 yards: 6-9
- 50+ yards: 0-0
Sam Carpenter | #94 | Sophomore
Extra Points: 6-6
Field Goals: 1-3
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 0-1
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-1
*Injured/Out
Scouting the East Carolina Pirates
Overall Record: 8-4 | AAC Conference Record: 6-2 | CFP Rank: N/R
Previous Game: East Carolina 42 Florida Atlantic 3
Head Coach: Blake Harrell
- 1st season at ECU
- Lifetime Record: 13-5 | 13-5 at ECU
Links
East Carolina Offense
- Offensive System: Spread
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 33.5
- Total offense yards per game: 465.7
- Passing yards per game: 280.7
- Rushing yards per game: 185
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Mike Wright, Jr. | #11
Wright gets his chance to lead the Pirates with Katin Houser entering the transfer portal.
Passing Yards: 13 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 74 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Back-up: Chaston Ditta | #9
Passing Yards: 38 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 4 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
London Montgomery | #7
Team leader with 742 yards rushing, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
Rushing Yards: 742 | Rushing TD’s: 7
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 76 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Marlon Gunn, Jr. | #21
Gunn found the end zone six times, and averages 5.7 yards a carry.
Rushing Yards: 532 | Rushing TD’s: 6
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 29 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Parker Jenkins | #5
Rushing Yards: 238 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 69 | Receiving TD’s: 0
T.J. Engleman | #20
Rushing Yards: 282 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 37 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Anthony Smith | #9
Smith was the #1 receiver, averaging 15 yards per reception and recording five touchdowns.
Receptions: 60 | Receiving Yards: 897 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Brock Spalding | #10
Spalding steps into the #2 role with Yannick Smith out.
Receptions: 41 | Receiving Yards: 554 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Payton Mangrum | #19
Mangrum has just nine catches, but is averaging 20.2 yards a reception.
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 182 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jaquaize Pettaway | #12
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 32 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tyler Johnson | #13
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 72 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jyron Waiters | #15
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 48 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kelan Robinson | #3
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Desirrio Riles | #6
Riles looks as if he’ll be the only option at tight end with experience.
Receptions: 28 | Receiving Yards: 362 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Miles Parker | #83
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
KICKER
Nick Mazzie | #30
Extra Points: 41-41
Field Goals: 13-15
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-3
- 30-39 yards: 6-6
- 40-49 yards: 4-4
- 50+ yards: 1-2
East Carolina Defense
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 20.3
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 348.9
- Passing yards allowed: 228.7
- Rushing yards allowed: 120.3
- Sacks: 30
- Interceptions: 9
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Jasiyah Robinson | #8
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 3.5
NT: Zion Wilson | #54
Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 7
DT: J.D. Lampley | #9
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 1
RUSH: Ryheem Craig | #5
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 1
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Samuel Dankah | #7
Tackles: 50 | Sacks: 1.5
MLB: Dameon Wilson | #10
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 0.5
OR D.J. Johnson | #11
Tackles: 50 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Jordy Lowery | #15
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
SS: Ja’Marley Riddle | #2
Tackles: 66 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3
FS: Teagen Wilk | #3
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
RCB: Tymir Brown | #24
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
NB: Jonathan Jean | #22
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
*Injured/Out
Pitt vs East Carolina History
Series Began: 1984
Overall Record: 2-2
- At Home: 2-1
- On Road: 0-1
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: N/A
Streak: East Carolina won the last game.
Last Game: Nov. 28th, 1992 (ECU 37 Pitt 31)
Pitt Schedule (8-4)
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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