Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi. Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Pat Narduzzi, Pitt take chance on 2027 QB Kevin Verpaele

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 6:28 PM ET

From Merritt Island, Florida, 2027 quarterback Kevin Verpaele felt he was being a bit underrecruited at the Power Four level.

He's a three-star, according to On3, but 247Sports doesn't even have him ranked as of yet. In the meantime, his offer list features "smaller" programs such as FIU, Georgia Southern, Jacksonville State, Miami (Ohio) and UMass, among others.

Then there's the Pittsburgh Panthers, who offered Verpaele back in June, and at the moment, they give him the only chance to play Power Four football.

They also clearly believe in him, though, and they've spent time to build a relationship with him.

That's why Verpaele committed to Pitt on Tuesday.

#AGTG 1st, I want to thank God, my family, my coaches, my trainers, my teammates for making this all possible!

I’m excited to announce my COMMITMENT to the University of Pittsburgh - @Pitt_FB #H2P @CoachDuzzPittFB @Kb1Raw @CoachDarveau @MerrittIslandFB @CoachMurray47… pic.twitter.com/Vx6S4zHj3c
— Kevin Verpaele (@KevinVerpaele17) October 28, 2025

Verpaele checks in at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. He loved that offensive coordinator Kade Bell and head coach Pat Narduzzi spent the time to get to know him as a recruit.

“Pitt was right for me because they were the only Power Four (school) who really showed interested in me,” Verpaele said, per Steve Wiltfong of Rivals. “Kade Bell spent time to develop me when I was at his camp. Took me to the board, gave me extra reps, just from the jump he believed in me. Coach Bell and Coach Narduzzi had a lot of faith in me.”

Verpaele also likes the vibes at Pitt. The Panthers play at an NFL stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers' Acrisure Stadium, and share some of the same amenities.

“It just felt like home too,” he said. “I like the campus. I like how it’s all in a city. I like how it’s a big city environment. I like how they shared facilities with the Steelers. They have the same chef as the Steelers. A lot about it was unique and seemed like a one of one.”

A junior at Merritt Island High School, Verpaele has thrown for 1,909 yards and 19 touchdowns compared to five interceptions. He's also rushed for 279 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

According to Rivals, he is the No. 59 quarterback in the 2027 class. It will be interesting to see if his commitment to Pitt holds if this news puts him on the radar with other P4 programs.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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