The prospect of losing Shawn Lee, when the true freshman cornerback entered the transfer portal Jan. 1, was doubtless disappointing for Pitt.
However, encapsulating the fluidity and unpredictable nature of the portal these days, Lee has reversed course.
On Monday afternoon, the honorable mention All-ACC selection posted to Instagram that he was “locked in” to returning to Pitt in 2026, making him the first player from the 2025 squad to make such an announcement for the upcoming campaign.
Notable for Lee over the last several days is that he was never removed from the Panthers’ active roster, usually the telltale sign of a player or staff departure.
Instead, the promising young player who appeared in 12 games last season, recording 29 tackles (3.5 for loss), an interception and four pass breakups, will return.
Lee’s pick came against Stanford on Nov. 1, and he returned it 30 yards for a touchdown.
With Panthers senior cornerbacks Tamon Lynum and Rashad Battle declaring for the NFL Draft, Lee will be a favorite to start next season.
