It doesn’t require a lot of drive, but the Pittsburgh Steelers will be featured in tonight’s college game between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Syracuse Orange. According to Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler, the team has two personnel members participating in tonight’s game. And that’s a crowded press box from around the NFL.
The Panthers, who are undefeated at No. 19, don’t appear to have any top prospects in this year’s draft. TE Gavin Bartholomew has had a quieter season than expected despite Pitt’s improved QB play. This season, he was held to just 17 receptions for 146 yards and no touchdowns, and he hasn’t even been able to get over 30 yards in any game this season. Last year, he averaged over 18 yards per reception and found the end zone four times as a freshman in 2021 with QB Kenny Pickett at the helm.
WR Konata Mampfield is a big-play threat who averages over 17 yards per catch and has two 100-yard games this season. The transfer from Akron, listed at 6-1 and lanky at 180 pounds, may be key to how he performs in the pre-draft process. Defensively, DB Donovan McMillon made over 100 tackles last year and already has a team-high 56 tackles this year, including a combination of interceptions and forced fumbles.
The Orange will be led by QB Kyle McCord. McCord, who transferred to Ohio State, scored 24 touchdowns for the Buckeyes last season before transferring for what he called a “business decision,” but for more on what that means. Didn’t explain. He denied reports that he was leaving for more NIL money or because Ohio State couldn’t guarantee him a starting job in 2024. He had a shaky but solid season with the Orange, throwing 19 touchdowns and six interceptions to lead the Orange to a league championship. 5-1 record.
Other prospects include WR Jackson Meeks and TE Orondo Gadsden II. Both are among the team leaders in receiving and bring good size to their positions. Meek is 6-2 and over 200 pounds, while Gadsden is a hybrid who lists 6-5 and 236 pounds. Defensively, DL Fadil Diggs, a transfer from Texas A&M, leads the way with eight TFL and four sacks this season, the latter matching his career high. Safety Justin Barron could be a sleeper with versatility and special teams value.
Pitt and Syracuse kick off tonight at 7:30 PM EST.
