Pittsburgh Panthers 2025 Season Preview

The 2025 season brings cautious optimism for the Pittsburgh Panthers. After a rocky 3-9 finish in 2023, they bounced back to 7–6 last year. Not perfect, but enough to believe this group can make some noise in the ACC.

Offensive coordinator Kade Bell is back for his second year, and the tempo is picking up. He came over from Western Carolina, where his offense led the nation in scoring. Now the Panthers are hoping that system continues to grow in Year 2.

The offensive line returns three starters and adds depth with transfers like Jeff Persi and Kendall Stanley. This group gave up over 40 sacks last season. That has to change if this offense is going to function.

At quarterback, Alabama transfer Eli Holstein enters as the clear starter after winning the job last fall and flashing upside before injuries slowed him down. Backups include Nate Yarnell and freshman Mason Heinstchel.

Running back Desmond Reid is back after a breakout 2024. He’s explosive, experienced, and versatile. Wide receiver Konata Mumpfield leads the receiving corps again, joined by transfers Raphael Williams and Censere Lee, both of whom fit nicely in Bell’s scheme.

Defensively, Pitt is looking to replace key pieces. Dayon Hayes and Samuel Okunlola are gone up front, and the pass rush needs a spark. Kansas State transfer Nate Matlack is one name to watch on the edge. At linebacker, Ohio transfer Keye Thompson joins Brandon George to hold things down. The safety duo of Donovan McMillon and Javon McIntyre is the strength of the unit, but the corners are unproven and likely to rely on transfers like Jaremiah Anglin from Kentucky.

As of late July, Pitt sits at No. 49 in Action Network’s college football power ratings with a score of 77.3. That places them right behind Duke and just ahead of NC State. They're not contending for a title, but they're dangerous enough to wreck someone else's season.

Pitt Point Spreads

Point spreads bets are all about how much a team wins or loses by. Pitt was hit or miss against the number in 2024, but with a more stable QB and improved protection, that could swing.

Here’s a sample line:

• Pittsburgh +3.5 (110)
• Virginia Tech -3.5 (110)

If Pitt wins or loses by three or fewer, they cover. If Virginia Tech wins by four or more, they cover. If it lands exactly on three and a half? That’s a win for the Pitt side.

Pitt Over/Unders

Over/unders are about total points scored. Doesn’t matter who wins, just how many points hit the board.

Say the total is 47.5:

• Final score: Pitt 27, Virginia Tech 21, that’s 48, and the over hits
• Final score: 24–20, that’s 44, and the under cashes
• Exactly 47.5? That’s a push. Bet gets refunded

Kade Bell’s system leans fast and aggressive, so overs may be more common this year.

Pitt Moneylines

Moneyline bets are simple. You’re just betting on which team wins. Underdogs pay more, favorites pay less.

For example:

• Pittsburgh +130
• Virginia Tech -130

A $100 bet on Pitt at +130 returns $230 total if they win, $130 in profit plus your stake. If Pitt is the favorite at -130, you’d have to bet $130 to win $100.

Moneylines are popular in parlays too. Just don’t get greedy.

Pitt Props

Props let you bet on player stats, like Holstein’s passing yards, Reid’s rushing total, or Mumpfield’s receptions. You can also find touchdown props or longest play bets when available.

Not every sportsbook offers college player props, and not every state allows them. But when they’re live, it’s a fun way to bet around the box score.

Pitt Futures

Futures are season-long bets, no instant gratification, but they can hit big.

Typical Pitt futures include:

• Over/under 6.5 total wins
• Pitt to win the ACC
• Desmond Reid or Holstein for individual awards

If you believe the Bell offense is ready to take off, now’s the time to get those numbers before the market moves.