Pat Narduzzi announces Kedon Slovis as Pitt's starting quarterback

Pittsburgh is now in the post-Kenny Pickett era, just one season after their quarterback made an appearance in New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. There will be big shoes to fill, with the Panthers needing a star at quarterback to replicate the success for 2021.

On Wednesday, head coach Pat Narduzzi announced who the starting quarterback would be. Kedon Slovis will be under center for Pittsburgh after transferring into the program for USC. After three years of experience in Los Angeles, Slovis will now get to go through an ACC schedule.

However, before getting to conference games, Pittsburgh will have a tough nonconference slate Slovis will have the guide the program through. It begins a week from Thursday, with an old rivalry against West Virginia being renewed. Just over a week later, Tennessee will be in town at Heinz Field.

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During his three seasons at USC, Slovis appeared in 27 games and made starts in 26 of them. He completed 68% of his throws, passing for 7,576 yards, 58 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions. When the Trojans’ old coaching staff was let go and Lincoln Riley was brought in, Slovis was one of two quarterbacks (Jaxson Dart to Ole Miss) to leave the program.

Even before officially being named the starting quarterback, Slovis was viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC and country. PFF ranked him ninth overall, while On3’s Mike Huguenin ranked the Pittsburgh signal caller the most impactful transfer in the ACC.

Expectations are going to be high for Pitt this year as they look to defend their conference championship belt. There’s a lot more talent on the offensive side, even if wide receiver Jordan Addison crossed paths with Slovis on their cross-country flights. All five offensive linemen return, while transfer WR Konata Mumpfield is expected to make an impact.

Slovis will get handed the reigns for Week 1 against West Virginia and will be expected to lead Pitt to glory throughout the season.