Early Betting Odds Project Modest Rebound for Pitt Panthers

DraftKings has set Pitt at +12000 odds to win the ACC, which is 13th best in the conference, while FanDuel has set the Panthers’ odds to win the ACC at +11000, tied for 12th best in the conference.

It’s safe to say that there aren’t high expectations for the Panthers in the 2024-25 season. DraftKings has set +80000 odds and FanDuel has set +100000 odds for the Panthers to win the national championship. There aren’t any Panthers with Heisman Trophy odds at this point in the offseason.

The only early game line for Pitt is the Backyard Brawl, scheduled for Sept. 14 at Acrisure Stadium, and West Virginia is favored by 4.5 points — with odds for either spread set at -110.

Pitt is coming off a 3-9 (2-6 ACC) season, the worst of the Pat Narduzzi era, and there’s not an easy fix. If the Panthers are able to get better quarterback play from Nate Yarnell (and maybe Eli Holstein), that’s a strong start. The offense returns a solid offensive line and returning starters at running back, wide receiver and tight end.

It may take a couple of seasons for Pitt to install new offensive coordinator Kade Bell’s offense, but if it’s able to hit the ground running, it will likely make the difference between being bowl eligibility and not.

Pitt has lost a lot of production on the defensive side of the football, either to the transfer portal or NFL Draft/graduation, but there are exciting young players all over the roster.

The defensive line is still a concern, as are the cornerbacks on the backend, but that’s primarily because of the youth and experience in both units.

Pitt will kick off the 2024-25 season on Aug. 31 at Acrisure Stadium, hosting Kent State for the eighth time in program history.