Pitt backup quarterback Davis Beville decides to transfer

Davis Beville, who stepped under center in an emergency situation as Pitt’s third-string quarterback during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, has placed his name in the NCAA transfer portal.

After eight spring practice sessions, Beville was approaching his redshirt junior season. He said he will be a graduate transfer with three years of eligibility.

With no meaningful playing experience, Beville was Pitt’s quarterback for the final 3 ½ quarters of the bowl game Dec. 30 after Kenny Pickett previously opted out and Nick Patti broke his collarbone diving for a touchdown on the second offensive series.

Beville completed 14 of 18 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, but he was sacked five times.

Forever grateful! Will always be a Pitt man! #H2P pic.twitter.com/k72s3fTZKH

— Davis Beville (@DBthaQB11) March 24, 2022

With Pitt trailing 24-21 in the fourth quarter, Beville moved the Panthers from their 25-yard line into field-goal range at the Michigan State 26 with 36 seconds left in the game. He was 5 for 5 for 54 yards before his final pass was picked off by Michigan State linebacker Cal Haladay and returned 78 yards for a touchdown.

Beville, 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, came to Pitt from Greenville, S.C., in 2019 as a four-star prospect. He was ranked No. 11 in the nation by Rivals.com among pro-style quarterbacks.

Even with the loss of Pickett, Pitt’s quarterback room had been crowded with seven players this spring before Beville’s departure.

USC transfer Kedon Slovis, who was ranked No. 16 by Rivals in 2019, and Patti are competing for the starting job. Joey Yellen and Nate Yarnell also are on scholarship, and walk-ons Eli Kosanovich (Aliquippa) and Jake Frantl complete the depth chart.