University of Pittsburgh Athletics
7/30/2025 4:59:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — With the 2025 season officially underway, Head Coach Pat Narduzzi addressed the media on Wednesday after Pitt's opening training camp practice. Entering his 11th season at the helm, Narduzzi expressed confidence in the leadership, continuity and confidence his Panthers are showing.
Here are five key takeaways from his press conference:
1. Eli Holstein's Return Brings Stability Under Center
For the first time in several seasons, Pitt enters camp with a returning starter under center. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein is back for Year 2, and Narduzzi made clear what a difference that makes.
"There's nothing better than going into the season knowing what Eli has done, what kind of football player he is," Narduzzi said. "We're not sitting there wondering what's going to happen on game day. I think we all have a pretty good idea."
2. A Culture Retaining Talent
While roster turnover has become a large part of the conversation in college football, Pitt has stayed true to what the program is built on. Several standouts returned to Narduzzi's team, despite interest from other programs, and Narduzzi credited that to a strong culture rooted in trust and relationships.
"The No. 1 program goal here is having relationships with our players," Narduzzi said. "They want to be here. They want to play in Pittsburgh. They love what we do and how we do it."
3. A Physical Defense Could Lead the Way
Pitt's defense again looks poised to be a strength, especially at linebacker and on the defensive line. All-America linebacker Kyle Louis returns to anchor a unit that includes Rasheem Biles and Braylan Lovelace, while the defensive front features returning veterans and fresh faces.
"That's three guys that can run," Narduzzi said of the linebackers. "I think our D-line is better as well. We've got a talented football team. We've got to stay healthy. We've got to play complementary football offensively and defensively, which I think we will even better than we did a year ago."
4. Keeping Its Core
Rather than overhauling the roster, Pitt has used the portal to complement its core. Narduzzi emphasized the program's success in evaluating portal talent and avoiding mistakes.
"We're not making mistakes and that's critical," he said. The additions of offensive linemen Jeff Persi, Keith Gouveia and Kendall Stanley, as well as many others, highlight a transfer class expected to contribute.
"We've done a great job evaluating, getting the right people and the right athletes that fit."
5. Motivation is High After 2024's Finish
After finishing 2024 with close losses in key games, the Panthers are carrying a chip on their shoulder.
"They talk about it, certainly," Narduzzi said of his players. "To me, it's those losses. It's the missed free throw. It's the missed three-pointer to lose the game. That's how you learn. You don't learn by winning every week. You learn by those bumps in the road, the bad days, and you bounce back."
With exactly one month until the season opener against Duquesne, the Panthers know there's still plenty of work to do.
The team will hit the field again tomorrow for Day 2, with more coach and player interviews to come.
