Nov 16, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Pittsburgh Panthers helmet on the sidelines against the Clemson Tigers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pitt Football Offer Report: TE Preston McDaniel

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Panthers on SI
By Kevin Sinclair | Last updated May 4, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Without question, one of the most important roster needs for the Pitt Panthers this cycle is the tight end position.

Gavin Bartholomew is now a Minnesota Viking. His predecessor Jake Overman is entering his final year of eligibility in his sixth year on the college stage. Behind Overman, Malachi Thomas enters his true sophomore season with two catches for 22 yards under his belt. And Max Hunt arrived in Pittsburgh less than four months ago.

It's why no one should've been surprised to see Preston McDaniel announce an offer from the Panthers recently.

Joining Air Force, Army, Dartmouth, Fresno State, Navy, Nevada, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, and Utah Tech, Pitt extended its offer to the rising senior out of Thunder Ridge High School in Idaho Falls on Wednesday, April 30.

God is good! After a great conversation with @coachjbronowski I’m blessed and humbled to receive an offer from the University of Pittsburgh! pic.twitter.com/uJGzgZVl12
— Preston McDaniel (@Prestonmcdani) April 30, 2025

According to MaxPreps, in just nine game in 2024, the 2026-class tight end caught 41 balls for 564 yards and four touchdowns. He's a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports, at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with significant route running and pass-catching abilities, as shown in his junior season highlights on Hudl.

Technically, given the volume of snaps McDaniel is positioned in the slot or out wide, he could be classified as a receiver who slides into an inline tight end role occasionally, given the makeup of the Thunder Ridge offense.

Whichever way you slice it, there's no question that McDaniel has the ability to play the tight end position at the next level. In his case, that ability shines brightest in the passing game when he's an available target.

Current Pitt 2026 Verbal Commitments

* QB Angelo Renda (Southlake [Tx.] Southlake Carroll)
* WR Dylan Wester (Sarasota [Fla.] Booker)
* LB/S Marus Jennings (Detroit [Mich.] Cass Tech)
* S Isaac Patterson (Westerville [Ohio] Westerville South)