Pitt’s Matt Goncalves Named to Outland Trophy Watch List

PITTSBURGH—Pitt senior offensive tackle Matt Goncalves has been named a preseason candidate for the prestigious Outland Trophy presented annually to the nation's most outstanding interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

Goncalves is a highly deserving candidate on the Outland watch list revealed today by the FWAA. He is coming off an outstanding 2022 season in which he started all 13 games—eight at right tackle and five on the left side—and earned All-ACC accolades.

Goncalves' work up front was instrumental for a Pitt offense that produced a 1,000-yard rusher (Israel Abanikana) and 1,000-yard receiver (Jared Wayne) in the same season for the first time since 2014 and just the fourth time ever.

Matt Goncalves Outland

In addition to his Outland candidacy, Goncalves has received preseason All-ACC recognition from such notable national outlets as Phil Steele, Athlon Sports, Pro Football Focus and College Football Network.

Goncalves and the Panthers begin their training camp on Wednesday, August 2, at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

Pitt has two all-time winners of the Outland Trophy: offensive tackle Mark May (1980) and defensive tackle Aaron Donald (2013). Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey was a finalist for the award in 2022.

The 2023 winner of the Outland Trophy will be announced on ESPN's live telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 7.

Pitt Players on Preseason Watch Lists:

Maxwell Award (National Player of the Year): Quarterback Phil Jurkovec

Outland Trophy (Interior Lineman): Offensive Tackle Matt Goncalves

National College Football Awards Association Watch List Calendar:

Mon., July 31: Maxwell Award

Tue., Aug. 1: Outland Trophy/Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Wed., Aug. 2: Lou Groza Award/Ray Guy Award

Thu., Aug. 3: Paul Hornung Award/Wuerffel Trophy

Fri., Aug. 4: Mackey Award/Rimington Trophy

Mon., Aug. 7: Biletnikoff Award

Tue., Aug. 8: Davey O'Brien Award