Oklahoma State loses top defensive lineman Justin Kirkland to transfer portal

Pitt redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Dugger has entered the transfer portal with four years of eligibility remaining after just one season with the Panthers. Dugger made his mark in the GameAbove Sports Bowl, where he threw two touchdown passes and rushed for 88 yards and a score, nearly engineering a comeback. His departure comes shortly after Pitt added transfer quarterback Cole Gonzales, increasing competition in the quarterback room, which now includes returning starter Eli Holstein and true freshman Mason Heintschel. Dugger's decision was described as difficult but necessary for his development, and it follows a spring transfer window in which Pitt has lost several players at various positions. Head coach Pat Narduzzi had expressed excitement about Dugger's potential role, but the crowded quarterback situation likely influenced the decision. Dugger was highly regarded out of Penn Hills High School and is expected to have opportunities elsewhere.