Talkin’ Pitt: Staying Steady and Stepping Up
10/16/2025 2:25:00 PM | Football
Straight from the podium: What Pitt’s players and coaches are saying ahead of this week’s trip to Syracuse.
PITTSBURGH— As the Panthers enter the second half of the season, the message from the locker room is clear: stay consistent, stay connected, and keep climbing. This week's media availability featured defensive linemen Nate Templeand Jahsear Whittington, offensive lineman Kendall Stanley, defensive line coach Tim Daoust, wide receivers coach JJ Laster, and tight end Jake Overman.
Temple: "Be ready when your number's called."
Veteran defensive lineman Nate Temple said the group's tight bond has carried them through injuries and adversity.
"We've got a really tight group," Temple said. "Everyone in our room has love for each other. It's a next-man-up mentality, and we've got a deep room. Everyone in there can play—from the oldest to the youngest."
Whittington: "The fourth quarter was mine."
Jahsear Whittington nicknamed "The Bread Man," continues to make plays and provide energy up front.
"Coach D told me I'd only have a few plays that drive," Whittington said. "I wear number four, so I told myself the fourth quarter was mine."
He credited his preparation for recent success. "Once I locked in during practice, I started seeing it translate to games," he said. "When Coach D noticed it and told me face-to-face, that meant a lot."
Stanley: "Always prepare like you're going to start."
After stepping into the lineup against Florida State, Kendall Stanley said his approach never changed.
"When Persi went down, it was just my turn to step up," Stanley said. "That's the next-man-up mentality for all of us."
Stanley praised the offensive line's unity and the team's young playmakers. "Mason's awesome in the huddle—loud, confident, commands attention. You can feel his leadership."
Daoust: "Be at your best when your best is needed."
Defensive line coach Tim Daoust said the group has embraced Pitt's standard despite a string of injuries.
"Nobody wants to see a teammate get hurt, but when that happens, the next guy steps up," Daoust said.
On returning to Syracuse, Daoust added, "That was a good spot for me early in my career. I've got nothing but good memories—and I'm excited to take our guys up there."
Laster: "Tuesday through Friday determines Saturday."
JJ Laster emphasized accountability across his position group.
"This isn't Pop Warner—guys who earn it in practice play," Laster said. "Tuesday through Friday determines Saturday."
Overman: "Now we've got to build on it."
Captain Jake Overman said last week's finish at Florida State showed the team's growth in closing out tight games.
"We've talked all offseason about finishing," Overman said. "It didn't happen the two weeks before, but we got it done. Now we've got to build on it."
Pitt travels to Syracuse this Saturday, Oct. 18, for an ACC matchup at the JMA Wireless Dome. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on ACCN.
