The 2024 season for Pitt kicks off in just 85 days when the Panthers oppose Mid-American Conference foe Kent State at noon at Acrisure Stadium August 31. The Panthers are coming off of a 3-9 season, the worst in Pat Narduzzi's tenure, and Narduzzi overhauled his entire offensive staff while making few changes to his defense over the offseason.
For all of the moves on paper that happen, though, must come the production to justify those means. The Panthers had the worst offense in the ACC in 2023 and if bowl aspirations are back on the table, improvements will need to show rapidly with Kade Bell installed as offensive coordinator.
Here are six breakout candidates -- three on either side of the ball -- who could make a huge difference for Pitt in 2024.
OFFENSE
• Kenny Johnson, wide receiver
Johnson brings exciting play-making ability, and he was able to showcase that en route to being named an honorable-mention All-ACC kick returner. He started in three games and had two games of four catches as a receiver. His explosiveness at 6-1, 195 pounds helped separate him from the pack of freshmen alongside Zion Fowler-El and Lamar Seymore, who should have expanded roles this season.
But, with Bub Means going to the NFL, Johnson is going to be Nate Yarnell's favorite weapon, even ahead of veterans Konata Mumpfield and Daejon Reynolds. The former three-star recruit will be able to help out in the quick game, which Bell loves to utilize, while having the ability to go deep for some shots. He will surely have more than the 15 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown he caught last season. He has All-ACC potential as a receiver and the likelihood that he repeats that nod as a returner.
• Desmond Reid, running back
Reid had a respectable 897 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground last season while playing for Bell at Western Carolina, but he is still a 5-foot-8 and 175 pound running back out of the lower-level high-school football ranks in Miami. There is no guarantee that Reid's ability will translate from Western Carolina against the size and speed of the ACC.
But, Bell has gotten more out of Reid than most would have likely been able to, and Reid can be a weapon for this developing offense if used properly. Rodney Hammond, Jr., is the clear lead back and is poised for his own breakout should he remain healthy, and Derrick Davis, Jr., and Daniel Carter will have their own roles, but none are as fluid as a pass catcher as Reid is. Reid has accumulated 42 receptions for 495 yards and a touchdown over his last two seasons at Western Carolina.
• Raphael "Poppi" Williams Jr., wide receiver
This isn't to say Williams will lead the team in receiving, but it will be interesting to see what kind of role Williams has once fall camp begins. The 5-10, 165-pound junior sat out last season at San Diego State but had a solid two seasons while playing for Bell at Western Carolina in 2021 and 2022. He tallied 120 receptions for 1,617 yards and 15 touchdowns over those seasons. Alongside Reid and CJ Lee, Williams is another Western Carolina product who should benefit again from Bell's quick-paced system.
DEFENSE
• Sean FitzSimmons, defensive tackle
It's kind of now or never for the Central Valley product as a redshirt sophomore. FitzSimmons redshirted in 2022 and played in just seven games behind Devin Danielson and David Green, but this overhauled defensive line needs production from FitzSimmons now. The unit will have four new starters -- likely, FitzSimmons, Nahki Johnson, Nate Matlack and Jimmy Scott. Pitt's 31 sacks as a team in 2023 were the fewest in a season since posting 23 in 2017. With that down production, too, comes the departure of defensive line coach Charlie Partridge to the NFL. Tim Daoust's room has a lot of production to make up for, and FitzSimmons has to produce with the opportunity right in front of him.
• Rasheem Biles, linebacker
Solomon DeShields and Bangally Kamara hit the transfer portal and Shayne Simon has moved on to the NFL, leaving three open slots at linebacker for Narduzzi to fill. Biles is the strongest candidate to start at the "Money" position after having a spring that those from inside the building are excited for. Jordan Bass and Braylan Lovelace were able to showcase their potential at points in 2023, but this season will be a big one for Biles. The 6-1, 215-pound sophomore played in nine games in 2023 but was mostly a factor on special teams. He blocked three punts, which tied a Pitt season record for an individual.
• Isaiah Neal, defensive tackle
Dubbed the "Ghost" by his coaches and teammates, Neal was coveted as a three-star recruit in the 2023 class. Given the aforementioned turnover on the defensive line, Neal has the potential to seize a spot away from FitzSimmons or Johnson along the interior after redshirting last season as a freshman.
How much does Pitt believe in Neal? They allow him to wear jersey No. 97, Aaron Donald's old number.
