A New Era for the Panthers' Front
The Pittsburgh Panthers are heading into the 2024 season with a rebuilt offensive line and a group of tight ends that must step up to fill the void left by departing starters.
At the right side, senior Ryan Baer returns for his fourth year as a starter, having logged 40 career games and 35 starts while earning preseason All‑ACC honors and a spot on the Outland Trophy Watch List. He will be joined by true freshman BJ Williams, the first freshman to start on the Panthers’ line since 2013, who also earned a place on the Outland Trophy Watch List after a steady preseason.
The left side has been hit by injuries, but the coaching staff sees potential in Ryan Carretta, who moved from left guard to center after a career‑high seven starts and is now on the Rimington Trophy Watch List, and Kendall Stanley, who bounced between tackle and guard before earning recognition as the offense’s most improved player. Their versatility could provide the stability the line needs.
Adding depth through the transfer portal, Pitt secured Netinho Olivieri, a two‑time All‑Ivy League tackle, and Keylen Davis, an All‑MAC selection, both of whom arrived in the spring and are already making an impact.
Tight Ends Lead the Charge
The tight end position, responsible for 15% of targets, 12% of yards and 20.7% of touchdowns last season, will be anchored by transfers Carson Kent and Elijah Lagg. Kent, who helped Oklahoma reach the College Football Playoff as an eighth seed, caught three passes for 26 yards, while Lagg, a UAB alumnus, posted a career‑high four catches for 43 yards against Tulsa.
Returners Max Hunt and true freshman Wyatt Villarreal add intrigue to the competition, while veteran Justin Holmes, who was targeted third‑most on the team last year, remains a key option in the passing game.
With the line still a work in progress and the tight ends poised to expand their role, the Panthers hope the combination of experience, fresh talent and depth will translate into a more consistent offense when the season opens.