The Western Carolina to Pitt pipeline is not a new phenomenon.
When Kade Bell, who spent 2021-23 calling plays for the Catamounts of the Football Championship Subdivision, joined Pat Narduzzi’s staff as coordinator at Pitt in 2024, he immediately brought some WCU standouts with him.
Now, following in the footsteps of All-American tailback Desmond Reid and wideout Poppi Williams, is receiver Malik Knight, who confirmed a commitment to Pitt.
Western Carolina offensive weapon, WR @MalikKinght13, has committed to @Pitt_FB
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) January 8, 2026
Knight recorded 774 REC YD and 7 TD on 47 REC to average 16.5 YD/REC this season pic.twitter.com/WRPaQvz8JU
Knight, who played four years at Western Carolina, enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025.
He caught 47 passes for 774 yards and seven scores in 12 games, setting career-highs in every category.
In 2024, he had 23 receptions for 392 yards and a touchdown in 12 games played.
A 6-foot-2, 185-pound pass catcher, Knight’s addition comes as the Panthers undergo turnover at wideout in the aftermath of the 2025 campaign.
Williams, Pitt’s top receiver from last season, graduated, while Kenny Johnson hit the transfer portal and has since landed at Texas Tech. Florida State transfer Deuce Spann declared for the NFL Draft.
Blue Hicks, who hauled in 24 passes for 422 yards and four touchdowns, is Pitt’s leading returning wide receiver.
Notes: Kicker Trey Butkowski, who entered the transfer portal Wednesday, quickly landed at Michigan, as the Wolverines announced his addition Thursday. Other Panthers transfers who have found new homes include center Lyndon Cooper (Vanderbilt) and tight end Malachi Thomas (LSU). Linebacker Rasheem Biles, as of Thursday morning, remains undecided.
