Pitt Loses First Scholarship Player to Transfer Portal
Pitt football has lost its first scholarship player to the transfer portal.
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Zion Fowler-El announced Tuesday morning that he will the portal on when it opens on Jan. 2 with two years of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot, 190-pound receiver looked to have a breakout season in 2025 as he solidified a backup role behind Kenny Johnson on the two-deep depth chart. However, playing time and production was kept at a minimum this season.
Fowler-El recorded seven receptions for 60 yards and one touchdown against Boston College in eight games.
During his time at Pitt, the Jersey City, N.J. native started one game in the 2024 bowl against Toledo. Overall, he recorded nine career receptions for 69 yards and the lone touchdown.
Fowler-El was a member of Pitt’s 2023 recruiting class as a three-star prospect out of St. Peter’s Prep. Along with Pitt, Louisville, Duke and others offered.
Fowler-El is the second Panther to announce their intentions to hit the transfer portal, joining walk-on long snapper Nico Crawford.
With Fowler-El departing, Pitt has 11 scholarship wide receivers projected for the 2026 roster, including four freshmen.
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