Nate Temple hit the transfer portal last month, picking up offers from Texas State, FAU and Houston, but he decided that he wasn’t able to leave Pittsburgh after all.
Temple — a sixth-year senior from Abbeville, S.C. — announced that he will return to Pitt for his final season of eligibility — joining Brandon George in deciding to return to the place he’s spent half a decade.
“Recently, I thought a change was what I needed, but I have realized that I was in the right place all along,” Temple wrote on Twitter. “After conversations with my coaches, teammates, and family, I’m excited to share that I will be returning to the University of Pittsburgh for another season.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that Pitt is not just a university for me; it’s home. I’m grateful for the support and understanding from my coaches, teammates, family and all of you who have been a part of this process. Returning to Pitt is not just a decision for my athletic journey but also a commitment to the incredible community and opportunities that Ptt offers.”
Temple played in 11 games in 2023, missing the Boston College game on Senior Night but returning for the season finale against Duke, and it was his most involved season at Pitt yet.
He recorded 26 tackles (eight solo), 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. According to PFF, in 356 defensive snaps primarily as a starter, he racked up 10 pressures, five hurries and three quarterback hits. And he made 11 run stops — with a 16.0 missed tackle rate.
In five seasons at Pitt, redshirting as a true freshman in 2019, Temple has recorded 31 tackles (11 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup — playing primarily as a special teamer prior to last season.
Charlie Partridge — who will have his work cut out revamping the defensive line — has been vocal in his respect for Temple, lauding him as a leader in the defensive line room. But even with Temple back, Pitt still has a need inside and outside.
Pitt — in the wake of recent transfer portal losses — will certainly need to look toward the transfer portal when it comes to filling gaps on the line.
The Pitt defensive line has been hit hard by the transfer portal, along with a handful of sixth-year seniors (David Green, Devin Danielson and Tyler Bentley) exhausting their eligibility, and the loss of Samuel Okunlola was especially difficult in the wake of such loss.
Pitt will rely upon Temple, Dayon Hayes, Nahki Johnson, Bam Brima and Jimmy Scott on the edge, with a transfer portal addition or two certainly on the way.
For all your college football transfer portal needs, check out the Portal Report and their Transfer Portal Tracker.
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