Pitt adds a pair of non-conference games
Pitt is continuing to fill out its non-conference schedule with a mix of high and mid-major programs.
Pitt will play Bucknell in the 2025-26 season, Bison head coach John Griffin III announced this week. The Panthers will also face off against UCF in a neutral-site matchup in Daytona Beach, Fla., insider Jon Rothstein reported this morning.
Bucknell went 18-15 (13-5 Patriot League) and bowed out in the semifinals of the conference tournament, losing to Navy 83-77. The Bison lost star center Noah Williamson to Alabama and second-leading scorer Josh Bascoe to graduation.
Pitt has played Bucknell just once in program history, losing 69-66 in the 2004-05 season.
UCF went 20-17 (7-13 Big 12) last season, but after an early exit in the conference tournament, the Golden Knights reeled off wins over Oregon State, Cincinnati and Villanova to advance to the College Basketball Crown finals.
The Golden Knights returned just two players ahead of the 2025-26 season, but head coach Johnny Dawkins was active in the portal.
Pitt has also only played UCF once in program history, knocking off the Knights 53-44 in the 2003-04 season. So, it will be a season of second chances for the Panthers when it comes to the Bison and Knights.
Pitt also has non-conference tilts revealed against West Virginia, Ohio State, Binghamton and Texas A&M (ACC/SEC Challenge).
Pitt has had to replace its fair share of players this offseason, too. With the losses to the transfer portal and to graduation, Jeff Capel has been active in adding both high school talent and players from the transfer portal.
Pitt picked up Iowa State guard Nojus Indrusaitis, Oregon State guard Damarco Minor, South Alabama wing Barry Dunning Jr. and Iowa State center Dishon Jackson, along with high school recruits in guard Macari Moore, guard Omari Witherspoon, forward Henry Lau and center Kieran Mullen.
