Transfer Jeff Persi to Start at Left Tackle for Pitt

PITTSBURGH — Since Pitt football made it an emphasis to address the offensive line needs in the offseason, the Panthers have had a battle unfolding at left tackle.

Michigan transfer Jeff Persi and Charlotte transfer Kendall Stanley have been competing at one of the most important positions on the football field to protect the blind side of quarterback Eli Holstein.

With the first depth chart revealed for the 2025 season, it was Persi that established himself as the starter for the season opener against Duquesne.

“Jeff came in spring ball, played really well,” head coach Pat Narduzzi said Monday. “Just consistent I would say more than anything. Shows consistency on a daily basis. He’s done a nice job for us. We’re excited to watch him come out and play his first game with that Pitt script on.”

The 6-foot-8, 315-pound Persi transferred to Pitt from Michigan. In five seasons with the Wolverines, he appeared in 41 games with three career starts. He was a contributor on the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in 2022, along with the 2023 national championship team.

Persi brings a big left tackle to the offensive line that has thrived in run blocking. Throughout the spring and training camp, his focus was to get better in pass protection.

Stanley will serve as the primary backup to Persi at left tackle. The 6-5, 295-pound Stanley was training at both tackle and guard in camp. He gives Pitt an athletic backup option on either side of the line.

Last season, Stanley started in all 13 games for Charlotte at right tackle, earning All-AAC Honorable Mention.

Pitt is looking for continuity at left tackle this season. In each of the past three year’s, the Panthers have lost their starting left tackles to injuries — Branson Taylor in 2024, Matt Goncalves in 2023 and Carter Warren in 2022. All went on to be NFL draft picks.

Those injuries led to shuffling on the offensive line, which prompted some struggles with linemen out of their natural positions.