A win for Pitt in the Backyard Brawl isn’t significant for just the current group of players, it also leaves a lasting impression on the recruits that were in attendance on Saturday.
Pitt hosted a long list of committed recruits and Pitt targets as they took in the Panthers’ comeback victory over West Virginia in front of 66,087 fans.
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Pittsburgh Sports Now reached out to get an instant reaction from those recruits who experienced the Backyard Brawl in full effect.
The list will be updated as PSN hears from additional recruits.
Mason Heintschel — 2025 three-star Pitt quarterback commit from Clay HS in Oregon, Ohio
“Absolutely, so proud to be a Panther, such a great atmosphere and was incredibly excited to watch the boys knock off WVU. It was great to see all the recruits again and to keep building that chemistry. I love this team and am excited for the rest of the year.”
Shep Turk — 2025 three-star Pitt offensive commit from Thomas Jefferson HS in Jefferson Hills, Pa.
“Game was amazing, was great to see all of the commits and get to spend some more time with them. Pitt did their thing and got the big rivalry win. The atmosphere was amazing and I can’t wait to play there and I’m sure all the other commits feel the same.”
Da’Ron Barksdale — 2026 four-star cornerback from Steel Valley HS in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Offers include Pitt, WVU, Syracuse, Temple, Bowling Green, Akron and UNLV.
“It was a great game overall. The atmosphere stood out most. Once the crowd got loud, there was no stopping Pitt at the end of the game. It was really great play-calling and good awareness from the QB. But the experience is something you didn’t want to miss. It really shows you that you should not give up on any college team. Anything is possible with 2 minutes left. Also my former teammate Cruce Brookins got a pick. Mad proud of that dude but great day/game.”
Matt Sieg — 2026 four-star athlete from Fort Cherry HS in McDonald, Pa.; Offers Penn State, West Virginia, Pitt, USC, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan State, Rutgers, Maryland, Syracuse, Marshall, Buffalo, Akron and RMU.
“It was definitely one of the best games I’ve seen. The atmosphere was electric and it was great to catch up with Coach Sanders and Coach Collins. The team looked great too, they came back when they could’ve called it quits when they were down 10. Credit to Coach Narduzzi for keeping the guys willing to fight.”
David Davis — 2026 four-star athlete from Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Offers include Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan State, Penn State, Pitt, Tennessee and West Virginia.
“It was a great game overall. The atmosphere was turnt. You got to give the QB his props on being able to stay calm and get his team through the game even though they were down.”
Gabriel Jenkins — 2027 cornerback from Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Offers include Michigan State, Penn State, Pitt, UCF and West Virginia.
“It was a great game overall. “Atmosphere was crazy, What really stood out was the QB. He definitely took over the game. He didn’t panic at all. Watching Pitt play is exciting. I really enjoyed my time there.”
Adam Gehm — 2026 tight end from Seneca Valley HS in Harmony, Pa.; Offers include Wisconsin, Maryland, Syracuse, Toledo and Miami (Oh.).
“Definitely a great game to be able to see as a recruit, fans showed out, offense was clicking and energy was for sure there. Got to see a lot of the stadium and how things are done on game days and overall impressed with the visit, and appreciate the coaches and staff for their hospitality.”
Zachary Gleason Jr — 2027 defensive back from Pittsburgh Central Catholic in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Offers include Pitt and Akron.
“I loved everything Pitt brought to the table from start to finish. The atmosphere played a big role in the game for me. Definitely got the best Pitt experience being there at the Backyard Brawl. It’s always a good time when I go down to Pitt just talking to coaches like coach Sanders and coach Collins. Great coaches and even better people. Overall loved the visit and can’t wait to be back on campus!”
Samir Crosby — 2026 athlete from Greensburg Central Catholic in Greensburg, Pa.; Offers include Fordham, Miami (Oh.), Buffalo, UNLV and Kent State.
“Great game, energy and atmosphere was unreal. Best game I’ve been to so far. Always love coming down to Pitt and watching them play and chatting it up with the coaches. Watching the Panthers play all four quarters and getting the win was amazing. I’m glad I got the invite to be there!”
Roman Thompson — 2027 athlete from Pittsburgh Central Catholic in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Offers include Akron.
“I had a great experience at the game. Had a great tour and the hospitality was good. The crowd was active and loud the whole time. It was a true rivalry game. Pitt played a great game and had energy the whole four quarters. I really enjoyed my time there.”
Jayden Alexander — 2027 athlete from Pittsburgh Central Catholic in Pittsburgh, Pa.
“My first visit to Pitt is definitely something to remember. I loved the tour, especially how loud the fans were even when they were down in points. It was also great to talk to the coaching staff while recruits were on the sidelines. Pitt is definitely one of the colleges I would love to attend and I hope I get another chance to be on campus.”
Jamar Allen — 2026 offensive/defensive lineman from Aliquippa HS in Aliquippa, Pa.; Offers include Temple and RMU.
“It was a good game from the beginning when they were going back and forth. The QB was on his stuff this game he came out better than I expected. To be a freshman doing that you know he has a lot of potential. But the atmosphere was insane. They had me wishing I could play with Pitt in that game. I’m happy I didn’t miss out on that game. Best college game I went to.”
Colin Urrea — 2027 OL/DL from Community School of Naples in Naples, Fla.; Offers include Pitt, Louisville, Duquesne, Houston Christian and Campbell.
“Pitt was a great visit. Obviously, the game itself was unforgettable. I appreciated getting to know the staff and coaches better, and their sincerity comes through in how they treated us. It was an honor to be around the current and former players and the fellow recruits. I highly valued getting a close look at how each position coach gets their group ready pre-game. And lastly, Coach Narduzzi is special. He is a lightning bolt of energy that embodies a player’s coach. Looking forward to the next time in Pittsburgh.”
James “Booboo” Armstrong — 2028 quarterback from Hopewell HS in Aliquippa, Pa.
“The game was great. It was high energy all throughout the game. What really stood out was the great plays by the QB. It shows how much time the Panther staff puts into helping new guys and how great college football players are. It was great to see two amazing teams compete, but most of all it was great to see the Panthers come out with the W.”
Jaylen Mosley — 2025 athlete from Kimball HS in Dallas, Tx.
“My recruitment visit was great, from how the staff took care of me and my father right out the gate. Then walking around the stadium, seeing the tailgate and just the fans coming into the stadium with so much Pitt pride was amazing. Players were super friendly and respectful even as they were locked in and focused on the game at hand. Then watching the team come back and fight for that victory really showed the brotherhood and how they fight for each other and believe in what the Pitt coaching staff and football program is building.”
