Former Pitt DE Joins Colorado

Another former Pitt Panthers defensive lineman has latched on to a Power 5 school out of the transfer portal.

PITTSBURGH -- One of the Pitt Panthers' highest-profile transfers this offseason has now landed with a new power-conference team. 

Former Pitt defensive end Samuel Okunlola spurned a number of prominent programs in favor of the opportunity to play for Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes, he announced on his Twitter. 

pic.twitter.com/YIkEDnnJES

— Samuel Okunlola (@Samokunlola87) December 20, 2023

Okunlola was one of Pitt's most productive defenders in his redshirt freshman campaign last season, tying for the team lead in sacks (5) to go with 18 tackles, 6 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 11 games. 

Okunlola received additional offers in the portal from Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Arkansas, USC, Minnesota, Washington, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Michigan State, California, Florida State and Missouri. 

Okunlola's departure delivered a massive hit to the Panthers as he was in line for considerable playing time next season and projected as one of Pitt's more productive pass rushers in 2024 and beyond. 

The Panthers softened the blow by adding transfers Nate Matlack and David Ojiegbe at the position while also returning Dayon Hayes, Bam Brima and Nate Temple. Pitt's incoming freshman class also features three defensive ends, including four-star Sincere Edwards, who have the potential to step in and earn snaps right out of the gate. 

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