Pitt Officially Signs Michigan Transfer OT Jeffrey Persi

Persi is the third offensive lineman to join the Panthers this offseason, following Charlotte transfer Kendall Stanley and Richmond transfer Keith Gouveia.

Persi initially committed to Michigan as a highly-ranked four-star recruit out of JSerra Catholic, choosing the Wolverines out of Arizona, Boston College, Cal, Colorado, Duke, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Pitt, Purdue, TCU, USC, Utah and Vanderbilt, Washington and Stanford.

Persi played in 38 games during his time at Michigan, serving mostly as a reserve option at tackle. But he was in line for a major role on the Wolverines’ offensive line in 2025.

According to Pro Football Focus, Persi played 168 offensive snaps this season — 156 at left tackle and 11 as an in-line blocker. He allowed 10 pressures and two sacks in the process. He’s played 404 offensive snaps over four seasons at Michigan, most of which came at left tackle.

Pitt lost Branson Taylor to injury this season (and subsequently to the NFL Draft), which forced Ryan Baer from right to left tackle this season. It created a massive void on the offensive line. Lyndon Cooper and BJ Williams are set to return, at center and guard, respectively, but Pitt needed to revamp the unit.

The Pitt coaching staff looked to upgrade its starting unit and supplement its depth via the portal. Stanley and Gouveia were added from the portal, supplementing at tackle and guard, respectively, and Persi added another viable option.

Persi is an option to work into the lineup at either tackle or guard (likely at tackle), and he adds a new level of versatility to the lineup.