We're only about a month away from the start of the season and Pitt got some early love from Stewart Mandel in his preseason Top 25 for Fox Sports. In the article, Mandel ranks the Panthers at No. 25.
The most inspiring story of the offseason is RB James Conner’s return from cancer. In 2014, Conner, who tore his ACL early last season, was the nation’s No. 6 rusher. He’ll greatly benefit returning QB Nathan Peterman. Coach Pat Narduzzi is known for producing fearsome defenses. With eight starters back, including DE Ejuan Price and S Jordan Whitehead, the Panthers should produce one of the ACC’s best units.