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 TE Enters Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Panthers on SI
By Kevin Sinclair | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 3:38 PM ET

On Monday, tight end Jake Renda announced that he'll be leaving the Pittsburgh Panthers.

"My time at the University of Pittsburgh has been unforgettable. After much thought, I've decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer TE with 2 years of eligibility remaining," Renda's announcement on X read.

"I want to thank Coach Narduzzi, Coach Bro, Coach Bell, Coach Kline, Coach Stacc, the entire Pitt staff, and every teammate," Renda's announcement continued. "Pitt will always hold a special place in my heart. H2P."

Given the Blue-Gold Game was played at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, it's no surprise to see Panthers entering the transfer portal this week. However, it was unclear who would leave the program when the 15th spring practice wrapped up over the weekend.

With Gavin Bartholomew leaving Pitt to enter the NFL Draft, former Oregon State tight end Jake Overman is projected to take over the starting role, entering his sixth collegiate season. Beyond the potential captain, underclassmen Malachi Thomas and Max Hunt were mentioned regularly in post-practice press conferences throughout the spring.

I have officially entered the transfer portal. Film/measurables attached. #h2p pic.twitter.com/r5w4HPckLr
— Jake Renda (@Jake_Renda) April 14, 2025

Renda entered the college ranks through the 2021 recruiting class out of IMG Academy. The New Jersey product earned offers from Arizona, Boston College, Central Michigan, Florida International, Fordham, Holy Cross, Michigan State, NC State, and Old Dominion along with Pitt.

He played sparingly through the first three seasons in the ACC program before his 2024 campaign was wiped out by an injury before the season began.

Moving forward, it'll be interesting to see who wins the TE 2 battle between Thomas, a rising true sophomore out of Georgia, and the early-entry freshman in Hunt.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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