Pitt Football: 2022 Way-Too-Early Game Predictions

Hail to Pitt became not just a cry of the fans, but prophecy in 2021, as the Pitt Panthers won their first ACC championship. In the process, their quarterback Kenny Pickett ascended from an average starter to become a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Prior to last season, the zenith for Pitt football under head coach Pat Narduzzi had been a trio of 8-5 marks, most recently in 2019. Gone were the days of being a contender for conference titles in the old Big East. In its place was the modern reality; Pitt football was a decent program, but would never be outstanding in the tougher ACC.

Someone forgot to tell Pitt that, however. This team that went .500 in conference play in 2020, suddenly became kings of a league that Clemson had looked at as mere royal domain.

While Pickett did take a huge leap in his game to lead them to a title, this team had talent all over the place. The Panthers don’t win the ACC without Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison, quick-footed linebacker SirVocea Dennis, and first-team all-ACC defensive lineman Calijah Kancey providing key support.

All those guys, sans Pickett, are back. So are all-ACC defenders in defensive end Habakkuk Baldanado, and safety Brandon Hill. Even better, Pitt’s entire offensive line comes back, which includes four seniors.

What remains to be seen is if USC transfer Kedon Slovis can improve at all with his new team. If he can, there’s no reason Pitt can’t repeat as ACC champion.

Here’s our look at predictions for the 2022 season.