In Episode 42 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down Pittsburgh's dominant win over Cleveland, including how the Steelers backed up all the pregame trash talk from Jared Verse and the Browns with a physical, convincing performance on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, Jaylen Warren and the offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, continuing to establish the Steelers' identity as one of the NFL's most physical teams. Defensively, Pittsburgh overwhelmed Deshaun Watson with eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and standout performances from T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, and Payton Wilson.

But despite the impressive win, there's still a glaring issue: the Steelers need more help at wide receiver.

With the NFL trade deadline approaching, we discuss why Pittsburgh needs to be aggressive about improving its roster, along with the latest rumors involving Garrett Wilson, Josh Downs, Brian Thomas Jr., and Ladd McConkey.

The Steelers have put themselves in position to compete for the AFC North title, home-field advantage, and a legitimate playoff run. The question now is whether the front office will make the moves necessary to capitalize on that opportunity.

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro, If It’s Brown Flush It Down
07:18 - Jared Verse Owes His Teammates An Apology
14:06 - The Steelers Need to Act Like A Contender at the Trade Deadline
24:01 - Jaylen Warren Leads the Way Yet Again
30:11 - Suffocating Steelers Defense, Led by Linebackers
35:43 - NFL Trade Deadline Rumors Involving the Steelers

In Episode 41 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris Gates breaks down Pitt's impressive defensive turnaround, including five sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and a much-needed improvement on third downs. After several disappointing defensive performances, the Panthers got back to pressuring the quarterback and making plays in the backfield.

Offensively, Damon Ferguson and the running game led the way, taking pressure off quarterback Holden Geriner. While Geriner finished just 13-of-30 passing, several dropped passes contributed to those numbers, and his performance was better than the box score suggests. He protected the football, managed the offense, and did what Pitt needed him to do.

There are still areas to clean up, including dropped passes and 10 penalties for 95 yards. But this was an encouraging performance that may have provided a blueprint for how Pitt can continue winning down the stretch.

Can the Panthers build on this momentum and finish the season strong?

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
03:59 - Two Main Takeaways from Pitt's Win
12:01 - Pitt's Defense Was Dominate in the Most Important Way
21:49 - Damon Ferguson Leads the Way
30:59 - Can Pitt Finish 9-3?

In Episode 40 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Sunday's Steelers-Browns showdown and explains why Pittsburgh looks like a different team than the one that lost in Cleveland.

We also dive into the latest NFL trade deadline rumors, including reports that the Steelers are interested in Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. Could Downs be the missing piece that helps Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and Germie Bernard take Pittsburgh's passing game to another level?

--

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:19 - Hottest Take of the Week 
12:03 - Personnel Updates for the Steelers
13:45 - Steelers Trade Rumors, Josh Downs
20:59 - Previewing the Game: When the Steelers Have the Ball
30:35 - Previewing the Game: When the Browns Have the Ball
38:14 - Steelers Special Teams Have to Improve
43:32 - Predicting the Game

In Episode 39 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Pitt's Halloween night matchup against the Yellow Jackets and explains why this could be a massive opportunity for the Panthers to regain some momentum before their bye week.

Holden Geriner is coming off an encouraging performance against Miami, and Georgia Tech's defense just surrendered 399 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to Boston College. Can Pitt establish its running game and build on Geriner's recent improvement?

On the other side of the ball, Pitt's defense has struggled mightily on third downs and against explosive passing plays. Can the Panthers get back to their defensive identity against Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza?

We also discuss Pitt's running back injury concerns, Blue Hicks' impressive receiving numbers, the ongoing debate surrounding Pat Narduzzi's future, and the biggest games around the ACC this weekend.

Plus, game predictions and a look around the ACC!

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
05:35 - In The News: Pitt & Georgia Tech Are Reeling
20:15 - Previewing the Game: When Pitt Has the Ball
25:57 - Previewing the Game: When Georgia Tech Has the Ball
34:00 - Game Predictions & A Look Around the ACC

In Ep. 38 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down the game and highlights all of the ways that Aaron Rodgers is successfully leading this Steelers offense. He may be 42 years old, but Rodgers is pretty clearly playing better football now than he was last year — and maybe his best football in 5 years.

We also cover the Steelers defense getting a massive game from middle linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, and how it allowed them to do just enough against Tyler Shough and the Saints offense to get the win.

Finally, we wrap up by looking ahead at the Cleveland game on Sunday, the Steelers schedule after the bye week, and talk about what moves Pittsburgh should make at the trade deadline to give this team a better chance to make a playoff run.

I hope you enjoy it!

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
06:13 - Aaron Rodgers Looks Like A Different Quarterback
22:15 - Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson Led the Steelers Defense
30:28 - Looking Ahead to Cleveland and the NFL Trade Deadline

Where does Pitt go from here?

Is it time to fire Pat Narduzzi? Does Pitt need to switch quarterbacks again? Is there any way to turn this season around?

In episode 37 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris opens up and thinks about the road ahead — both the rest of this season and into the future of Pitt football — to discuss how Pitt can improve, and what the best decisions are from a coaching and roster standpoint.

Is the future really as bleak as it seems? Let's break it down together.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
05:15 - Outlining Pat Narduzzi's Future at Pitt
33:48 - Positives That Emerged for Pitt Against Miami
49:17 - Listener Reaction to the Game

Coming off a wild overtime win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Steelers have shown flashes of what their offense can become. But can Aaron Rodgers, Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, and Germie Bernard put it all together for four quarters against one of the NFL's worst defenses?

In Episode 36 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Steelers vs. Saints, breaking down the matchups on both sides of the ball. We discuss Pittsburgh's offensive inconsistencies, the signing of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and whether the Steelers' improving defense can take advantage of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough playing through an injury to his non-throwing hand.

Plus, we examine Pittsburgh's ongoing special teams problems, the potential return of DeShon Elliott, and the unusual circumstances surrounding Sunday's game in Paris, where the NFL is moving forward despite significant civil unrest.

Can the Steelers keep building momentum and deliver their most complete performance of the season?

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:46 - The Situation in Paris
10:24 - Steelers Injury Update
14:51 - Marquez Valdez-Scantling to Boost Wide Receiver Position
17:32 - Steelers Are Making Trade Calls
22:30 - Previewing the Game When Pittsburgh Has the Ball
27:06 - Previewing the Game When New Orleans Has the Ball
32:11 - When Will the Steelers Fix Their Special Teams Issues
36:26 - Predictions for the Game

On Episode 35 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris Gates breaks down the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff and what it could mean for Pitt, the ACC, and the future of the sport.

For programs like Pitt, expansion could create a much more realistic path to the playoff and open new opportunities for recruiting, fundraising, and national relevance. But at what cost?

College football is becoming more and more like the NFL, and a larger playoff could further diminish the importance of the regular season, eliminate conference championship games, widen the divide between the Power Four and Group of Six, and continue to erode the traditions and rivalries that have made college football special for generations.

Is the sport sacrificing its identity in pursuit of more money?

Plus, Pitt heads to Miami this weekend to take on the No. 1 Hurricanes as a massive underdog. Coming off two straight losses, with major questions at quarterback and a struggling defense, do the Panthers have any realistic chance of competing?

Chris examines Miami's potential weaknesses, what Florida State exposed in its recent matchup with the Hurricanes, and what Pitt needs to do to avoid another disappointing performance.

Topics include:

• Why a 24-team playoff could benefit Pitt
• Whether playoff expansion is hurting college football's regular season
• The future of conference championships and traditional rivalries
• The growing financial divide in college football
• Is college football becoming too much like the NFL?
• Pitt vs. No. 1 Miami: Matchup breakdown, keys to the game, and predictions

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
03:31 - How a 24-Team Playoff Benefits Pitt
16:06 - How a 24-Team Playoff is Bad for College Football
20:45 - Conferences Won't Mean Anything Anymore
24:15 - How This Impacts G6 Conferences and Teams
28:37 - The Business Side of A 24-Team Playoff
35:36 - Pitt-Miami: A Letdown Spot for the Canes?
42:51 - Does Miami Have Any Weaknesses?

In Episode 34 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down a wild Steelers-Bucs matchup that featured another frustrating offensive performance through three quarters, an explosive fourth-quarter comeback, questionable late-game decisions, and special teams mistakes that nearly cost Pittsburgh the game.

With the Steelers holding the ball at the three-yard line and an opportunity to put the game away, why did they throw the football on two of three downs instead of leaning on Jaylen Warren? And what happened with the clock management and special teams execution that allowed Tampa Bay to force overtime?

We break down those critical sequences, plus:

• Aaron Rodgers, Jaylen Warren, and DK Metcalf stepping up when the Steelers needed them most.
• Germie Bernard's impressive rookie season and why he was one of the few consistent offensive bright spots throughout the game.
• Pittsburgh's offensive inconsistency and why the Steelers keep struggling to score until the fourth quarter.
• The Steelers' bend-but-don't-break defense, which generated more pressure as the game progressed and forced critical mistakes.
• Continued special teams concerns, including penalties, missed field goals, and coverage breakdowns.
• The bigger picture: Can the Steelers keep winning games this way, or will these mistakes eventually catch up with them?

A win is a win, and the Steelers deserve credit for finding a way to get it done. But this game left us with plenty of questions about the offense, coaching decisions, and special teams.

--

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:10 - How the Steelers Made it Way Harder Than it Needed to Be
13:54 - Confusing Clock Management At the End of the Game
21:39 - Special Teams Gaffes that Continue to Hurt This Team'
28:13 - Positives on the Offensive Side of the Ball for Pittsburgh
34:14 - The Steelers Continue to Play Bend But Don't Break Defense
42:17 - Where the Steelers Go From Here

In Episode 33 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down Pitt's disappointing performance against Boston College and, more importantly, what comes next for Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers.

The quarterback situation remains a major concern after Corey Dailey struggled to generate consistent offense. Should Pitt stick with Dailey, turn back to Holden Geriner, or rethink its offensive approach entirely heading into the matchup with Miami?

Defensively, Pitt struggled to stop Boston College's passing attack, while injuries and costly penalties made matters worse. The Panthers surrendered 133 penalty yards, and with a difficult schedule ahead, it's becoming increasingly difficult to identify where the remaining wins will come from.

Chris also discusses the growing frustration surrounding Pat Narduzzi, why firing him now isn't the answer, and how the remainder of this season could impact his future at Pitt.

Plus, listener reactions and questions about the quarterback position, defensive struggles, coaching decisions, and what Pitt needs to do to turn things around.

Topics include:

• Pitt vs. Boston College recap and biggest takeaways
• Corey Dailey vs. Holden Geriner: Who should start against Miami?
• Why Pitt's offense continues to struggle
• Defensive breakdowns, injuries, and costly penalties
• Is Pat Narduzzi approaching the hot seat?
• Can Pitt salvage its season with the remaining schedule?
• Listener reactions to another frustrating loss

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:17 - Can Pitt's Season Be Saved?
27:02 - Breaking Down Corey Dailey's QB Performance
33:07 - Pitt's Defensive Implosion
41:54 - A Few Random Thoughts
45:03 - Listener Reaction After the Game

In Episode 32 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews the Steelers' matchup with Tampa Bay and explains why Jaylen Warren needs to remain the focal point of Pittsburgh's offense after his explosive performance against the Indianapolis Colts. With Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek sidelined, can Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers find ways to keep moving the football? And what roles will DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington play?

On the defensive side, the Steelers could face rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels with Baker Mayfield dealing with an injury. Chris breaks down the challenge Daniels presents, the importance of containing running back Bucky Irving, and how Pittsburgh's defense can build on its performance against Indianapolis.

Plus, a look at the biggest injury updates, key matchups, and what the Steelers must do to come away with another win.

Topics include:

• Why Jaylen Warren should be the centerpiece of Pittsburgh's offense
• How the Steelers can overcome injuries at wide receiver
• Aaron Rodgers and the importance of the tight ends
• Jalon Daniels, Bucky Irving, and Tampa Bay's offensive threats
• Steelers defensive injuries and key matchups
• Keys to victory and a game prediction

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
05:03 - What’s In the News? Steelers Injury Updates
13:35 - Jalon Daniels Expected to Start for Tampa Bay
14:38 - Previewing the Game: When the Bucs Have the Ball
23:44 - Previewing the Game: When the Steelers Have the Ball
30:10 - Game Plan and Predictions

On this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Pitt vs. Boston College, starting with the biggest question facing the Panthers: Can Holden Geriner bounce back, and how short should his leash be if the offense struggles again?

Then, we break down both sides of the matchup:

1. Pitt's Quarterback Situation: Why Geriner deserves another opportunity, what needs to improve, and when Pat Narduzzi might need to consider a change.

2. When Boston College Has the Ball: A closer look at dual-threat quarterback Mason McKenzie, what makes him dangerous, and whether Pitt's defense can continue its history of limiting mobile quarterbacks.

3. When Pitt Has the Ball: What Boston College does well defensively, how the Eagles have kept games competitive, and what Pitt needs to do to establish its offense and avoid costly turnovers.

Keys to the Game & Prediction: The biggest factors that will determine whether Pitt gets back on track against Boston College.

Can the Panthers respond after their first loss, or will their quarterback struggles continue?

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
05:00 - In The News: Pitt's QB Situation
18:26 - Previewing The Game: When BC Has the Football
28:11 - Previewing The Game: When Pitt Has the Football
35:09 - Predictions and Previewing Other ACC Games

In Episode 30 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down Warren's explosive plays, his efficiency as both a runner and receiver, and how his versatility opened things up for the rest of the Steelers offense.

On defense, Pittsburgh did an impressive job containing Jonathan Taylor and forcing the Colts to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. But while the defense did enough to secure the victory, questions remain about the Steelers' pass coverage.

Chris also discusses ongoing concerns with Pittsburgh's special teams units, both in coverage and in the return game, before briefly looking ahead to the Steelers' upcoming matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Topics include:

• Jaylen Warren's outstanding performance against Indianapolis
• How Warren makes the entire Steelers offense more dangerous
• Pittsburgh's success containing Jonathan Taylor
• The Steelers' bend-but-don't-break defensive performance
• Continued concerns with pass defense and special teams
• A quick look ahead to Steelers vs. Buccaneers

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:19 - Jaylen Warren's Dominant Day
15:14 - Other Offensive Players Who Impressed vs. Colts
20:20 - An Up and Down Defensive Performance
26:17 - The Impact of Patrick Graham Moving to the Sideline
29:42 - Special Teams Continues to Struggle
33:06 - Wrapping Up and Previewing Week 6

In Episode 29 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down Pitt's loss to UNC, Holden Geriner's struggles in his first start replacing Mason Heintschel, and the coaching decisions that helped shape the outcome.

Was offensive coordinator Kade Bell's game plan really the problem? Pitt found early success with a quick passing attack and running game, but North Carolina adjusted, forcing Geriner to make more difficult throws and decisions. Despite Bell scheming receivers open, Geriner struggled to find them, and his accuracy deteriorated as the game progressed.

We also examine Pat Narduzzi's decision to go for it on fourth down instead of taking a field goal, questionable short-yardage play calls, Ja'Kyrian Turner's injury, and why Pitt's defense once again did enough to win.

Finally, we look ahead to Boston College and the biggest question facing Pitt Football: Can the coaching staff adjust the offense to help Geriner succeed, or is it time to consider Corey Dailey at quarterback? Narduzzi has publicly backed Geriner, but does that mean the quarterback competition is closed?

Topics covered:

• Holden Geriner's performance against North Carolina
• Kade Bell's offensive game plan and play calling
• Pitt's controversial fourth-down decisions
• Another strong performance from Pitt's defense
• Corey Dailey and Pitt's quarterback options
• What needs to change before Pitt faces Boston College

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:34 - Pitt's Defense Was Outstanding vs. UNC
12:25 - Breaking Down Pitt's Offensive Struggles
22:57 - Should Pitt Have Run the Ball More?
28:58 - Who Should Start at QB vs. Boston College?
38:15 - Is Pitt's Backup QB Position a Problem?
42:28 - Listener Reaction From The Game

In Episode 28 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Sunday's Steelers-Colts matchup, breaking down what Pittsburgh needs to do on both sides of the football.

When Indianapolis has the ball, can the Steelers slow down Jonathan Taylor and force Daniel Jones into mistakes? And how will Pittsburgh's defense respond with Derrick Harmon on injured reserve, Joey Porter Jr. gone, and injuries creating uncertainty in the secondary?

When the Steelers have the ball, the focus turns to establishing a physical, run-first identity. With Aaron Rodgers taking more sacks than any quarterback in the NFL, can Pittsburgh protect him against a Colts defensive front featuring DeForest Buckner and Laiatu Latu?

Plus, Chris discusses the biggest Steelers headlines from the week, including:

• Mike McCarthy's controversial comments about needing to "clean our house" and why they were blown out of proportion.
• The signings of cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Terell Smith.
• Derrick Harmon's injury and its impact on Pittsburgh's defensive front.
• The latest injury concerns heading into Sunday's matchup.
• Why the weather could make running the football and winning at the line of scrimmage more important than ever.

Can the Steelers get back above .500 and start establishing the physical identity they've been missing?

All that and more in Episode 28 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast!

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:59 - Steelers Have Signed 2 New Cornerbacks
11:02 - The Impact of Derrick Harmon’s Injury
12:26 - Mike McCarthy’s “Clean Our House” Comments
15:00 - When the Colts Have the Ball
20:55 - When the Steelers Have the Ball
27:51 - A Crucial 4-Game Stretch for the Steelers

Now, fifth-year senior Holden Geriner takes over at quarterback.

In Episode 27 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Pitt vs. North Carolina and breaks down what we actually know about Geriner, from his recruiting pedigree and arm talent to the limited but encouraging opportunities he's had in Pitt's offense.

We also take a closer look at Bill Belichick's North Carolina team, Billy Edwards Jr. and the Tar Heels' offense, where Pitt should have advantages on Saturday, and why establishing the run could be critical to helping Geriner settle into his new role.

Finally, we zoom out and look at the rest of Pitt's schedule. Losing Heintschel unquestionably changes this team — but does it really need to change the expectations for a 5-0 Pitt team that has found multiple ways to win?

Pitt's season has changed. It doesn't mean it's over.

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
02:57 - Holden Geriner Names Pitt Starting QB
06:29 - Other Personnel Updates
09:04 - UNC News & Notes
15:53 - When UNC Has the Ball...
23:06 - When Pitt Has the Ball...
33:36 - Who is Holden Geriner?
40:49 - Expectations in the Wake of Mason Heintschel's Season Ending Injury

Pitt beat Virginia Tech on Friday night, but the bigger storyline is that Mason Heintschel is out for the season with a torn ACL. Despite losing their starting quarterback, the Panthers still put up a valiant effort in Blacksburg to come out with a win. And there are tons of hot topics to debate from the game.

Was Virginia Tech's final field goal attempt actually wide, or did it go through? Did Cam Lindsey intercept that ball, or should it have gone to the receiver? Should Pitt have blitzed on fourth-and-5, and run the ball more down the stretch?

I'm diving into all of that, and a bunch more.

And at the end of the episode, we break down where Pitt goes from here with Holden Geriner taking over the starting QB job.

I hope you enjoy it, and if you have a moment please make sure you're subscribed and leave a 5-star rating and review!

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
05:34 - Recapping Pitt’s win + Mason Heintschel’s injury
26:23 - Cam Lindsey’s interception was the correct call
28:58 - Was the field goal good, or no?
34:49 - Recapping the Narduzzi vs. Franklin storyline
39:24 - Pat Narduzzi’s post-game comments
44:12 - The road ahead without Mason Heintschel

In Episode 25 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down an incredibly inconsistent night for Pittsburgh. The Steelers opened the game looking dominant, disappeared for much of the next two quarters, and finally came alive again late — only for the defense to surrender the game-winning field goal in the final seconds.

Chris breaks down what went wrong, the Browns’ ability to pressure Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf finally stretching the field vertically, and why Pittsburgh needs to lean much more heavily on Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and a physical offensive identity.

There are also major questions defensively. The secondary struggled without Joey Porter Jr., explosive plays continue to be a problem, and Pittsburgh may eventually have to look outside the organization for help at cornerback.

Plus, what should we make of all the visible frustration on the Steelers sideline? Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy exchanged words, T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward were visibly frustrated, and the entire team appeared increasingly agitated as the night went along.

Finally, Chris looks ahead at a critical four-game stretch before the bye and explains why the Steelers still have an opportunity to turn things around — but need to start stacking wins immediately.

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--

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
05:02 - An up and down game, quarter by quarter
16:47 - The Steelers looked FRUSTRATED all game
22:41 - The Steelers offense lacks an identity
29:41 - Clear problems on defense (that are hard to fix)
34:32 - The next four games for the Steelers are MASSIVE

The Steelers traded Porter to the Dallas Cowboys late Wednesday night, receiving a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and a second-round pick in 2028.

In this emergency episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris reacts to the stunning trade and breaks down how the relationship between Porter and the Steelers deteriorated to this point.

How much blame belongs to Joey Porter Jr. for the way he handled his contract dispute and lingering "back injury"? How much blame belongs to the Steelers for failing to reach an extension with one of their best young defensive players? And what does the return Pittsburgh received say about Porter's value around the NFL?

Chris also examines the growing questions surrounding GM Omar Khan, the Steelers' recent track record of moving on from talented players, and what losing Porter means for a secondary that already desperately needed him.

It's an emergency reaction to one of the biggest Steelers stories of the season.

In Episode 23 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Pitt's massive ACC road matchup against Virginia Tech and breaks down the biggest storylines, matchups and questions heading into Friday night.

How will Pitt handle its first road environment of the season? 
Can Mason Heintschel deliver against a Virginia Tech defense that has generated 17 sacks through four games? 
Can Pitt's defensive front take advantage of injuries along the Hokies' offensive line? 
And how will the Panthers defend quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, tight end Luke Reynolds and a Virginia Tech offense that has found multiple ways to win?

Chris also discusses the renewed Pat Narduzzi–James Franklin storyline, Pitt's injury report, why the running game could be critical for the Panthers and what a win — or the manner in which Pitt loses — could mean for expectations the rest of the season.

Plus, Chris makes his Pitt–Virginia Tech prediction and takes a look around the rest of the ACC schedule.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:49 - In the News: Injury updates
12:25 - Narduzzi vs. Franklin
18:02 - Pitt's record in week day games
21:26 - A measuring stick game for both teams
25:51 - Previewing the game when VT has the ball
31:43 - Previewing the game when Pitt has the ball
42:16 - Predicting the game and a look around the ACC

Pittsburgh beat the Cincinnati Bengals 30-27 to improve to 2-1, and Mike McCarthy's changes along the offensive line completely changed the complexion of the offense. Max Iheanachor and Brock Hoffman stepped into the starting lineup, Jaylen Warren exploded for 176 yards from scrimmage, Aaron Rodgers finally had time to operate from a clean pocket, and suddenly the Steelers' passing game looked functional.

So, did the Steelers just find their answer on offense?

In Episode 22 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down everything that stood out from Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati, including the revamped offensive line, Warren's huge performance, encouraging signs from DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson, Darnell Washington's emergence, the defensive struggles against Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Derrick Harmon's game-clinching strip-sack, and a massive day for Steelers special teams.

Then it's a quick turnaround to Thursday Night Football.

Chris previews Steelers-Browns in Cleveland, examining Deshaun Watson and the Browns' surprising 2-1 start, Cleveland's biggest offensive threats, its dangerous defensive front, and why the Steelers' new-look offensive line faces an immediate test.

Was Sunday's offensive explosion the beginning of something real — or just one good game?

Plus, Chris gives his Steelers-Browns prediction and shares reactions from Steelers fans after Sunday's win.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
02:59 - Changes on the Offensive Line Make a Massive Impact
09:02 - Jaylen Warren's Big Day Running the Football
11:52 - Aaron Rodgers and the Passing Game Flourish
20:30 - Defensive Struggles Against the Bengals
27:12 - Special Teams Made a Big Difference
29:24 - Previewing the Browns
37:15 - Biggest Matchup of the Game for the Steelers
40:00 - Predicting Steelers-Browns

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, I break down what stood out from the win, including some encouraging signs from Pitt’s passing game as the rhythm and timing started to improve. We also look at the value of getting injured players some much-needed rest, giving a huge portion of the roster meaningful snaps, and the performances of Bryce Yates, Demetrice McCray and Carson Kent as potential options for a bigger role in the passing game moving forward.

Then we turn our attention to the much bigger question: Now that Pitt is 4-0, what should the expectation be for the rest of the season?

I go game-by-game through Pitt’s remaining schedule, discuss where the biggest challenges and opportunities are, and share listener predictions for how many wins the Panthers should finish with.

Pitt has done everything it needed to do through four games. Now the schedule gets more interesting—and it’s time to figure out just how good this team might be.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:17 - Positives from Pitt’s Offense Against Bucknell
11:38 - The Benefit of Resting Injured Players
18:40 - Predicting Pitt’s Schedule After Starting 4-0

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Steelers vs. Bengals and breaks down the biggest storylines heading into Sunday's matchup at Acrisure Stadium.

Can Pittsburgh's struggling offensive line hold up against Dexter Lawrence and Cincinnati's revamped defensive front? Will simplifying the offense help Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers finally establish an identity? Can DK Metcalf bounce back from his early-season drop issues? And how will the Steelers defense handle Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with Joey Porter Jr.'s status in doubt?

Plus, Chris looks at Cincinnati's impressive start, the Bengals' dramatically improved defense, Pittsburgh's potential path to an upset and the key matchups that could decide the Steelers' first AFC North game of the season.

Topics include:

• Mike McCarthy's plan to simplify the Steelers offense
• Pittsburgh's struggling offensive line
• DK Metcalf's drop issues
• Michael Pittman Jr.'s potential return
• The latest on Joey Porter Jr.
• Cincinnati's revamped defense
• Dexter Lawrence vs. the Steelers offensive line
• Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins vs. Pittsburgh's defense
• The Steelers' keys to victory
• Steelers-Bengals prediction

Like, subscribe and follow the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for Steelers and Pitt football coverage throughout the season.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
03:32 - In the News, Steelers Offensive Line Changes
07:36 - Aaron Rodgers' Comments on Play Calling
11:24 - DK Metcalf's Drop Issues
13:36 - Joey Porter Jr.'s Latest Update
15:33 - Previewing the Bengals
24:59 - Did Cincinnati Fix It's Defense From 2025?
25:25 - How Do the Steelers Move the Football on Offense?
26:53 - How Much Can the Steelers Pass Rush Impact This Game?
27:44 - How do the Steelers Defense Joe Burrow?
28:50 - How Ugly Can the Steelers Make This Game?
29:52 - Predictions

In Episode 19 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris takes a deep dive into Pitt’s estimated $17–20 million roster spend and what those numbers tell us about the state of the program.

Why is Pitt spending significantly less than some of the biggest programs in college football? How does Pitt compare to its ACC competition? And does Pat Narduzzi deserve more credit for consistently developing NFL talent and winning games despite operating with fewer resources?

Chris breaks down the changing financial landscape of college football, including revenue sharing, NIL, Pitt’s new H2P NIL initiative, administrative turnover within the athletic department, and the complicated relationship between Pitt football and a fan base that has experienced decades of starts, stops and disappointment.

Most importantly: What would it take for Pitt to increase its roster investment into the $25 million range — and could a successful 2026 season provide the momentum needed to make it happen?

Plus, Chris closes the episode with a quick preview of Pitt vs. Bucknell and explains why Saturday should be less about Bucknell and more about getting Mason Heintschel and the Panthers ready for their upcoming trip to Virginia Tech.

Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for year-round coverage of Pitt football and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro 
04:35 - How Much Does Pitt Spend on Football?
15:14 - 3 Reasons Why Pitt is Lacking in NIL
27:49 - How Pitt Can Increase it's Roster Spend
32:42 - Previewing the Bucknell Game

Two games into the season, Pittsburgh has scored just ONE offensive touchdown, and the problems are piling up. The offensive line can’t protect Aaron Rodgers or consistently open running lanes. DK Metcalf continues to struggle with drops. The passing game looks disorganized. And Mike McCarthy is already talking about simplifying the offense just two weeks into the season.

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, I break down everything that went wrong in New England and why there may not be an easy fix.

We discuss the Steelers’ massive problems along the offensive line, whether rookie Max Iheanachor needs to take over at right tackle, Metcalf’s frustrating start to the season, Rodgers’ performance under constant pressure, Germie Bernard emerging as one of the few offensive bright spots, and why Pittsburgh’s defense deserves credit for keeping this game from getting even uglier.

Plus, there’s another problem flying under the radar: special teams. From coverage breakdowns to poor snaps and another missed field goal, the warning signs are starting to pile up.

Finally, I react to your Steelers-Patriots takes and look ahead to a huge AFC North matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
06:13 - Unpacking a Horrible Offensive Performance
21:32 - Steelers Defense Played Well
25:50 - Sneaky Problems on Special Teams
28:15 - Listener Reaction to the Game

In Episode 17 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, I break down my biggest observations from Pitt's win, including a breakout performance from the running game, another dominant showing from the defense and some growing concerns surrounding Mason Heintschel and the passing attack.

Damon Ferguson and La'Vell Wright helped Pitt pile up nearly 250 rushing yards, while the offensive line answered some important questions and created running lanes throughout the night. Meanwhile, Pitt's defense continued its outstanding start to the season, forcing two interceptions and holding another opponent to 13 points or fewer.

But the passing game was a different story. We dig into Heintschel's 10-of-23 performance, missed opportunities in the passing game, what Syracuse may have done to make him uncomfortable and why the next few weeks could be important for both Heintschel and offensive coordinator Cade Bell.

We also discuss Pitt's penalty problems, another strong night from the special teams, the emergence of Corey Sanders' defense and why the upcoming Bucknell game could be an opportunity to get healthy and fine-tune the offense before a major road test at Virginia Tech.

Pitt is undefeated with plenty of room to improve — and that's not a bad place to be.

Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for Pitt and Steelers coverage throughout the season.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:55 - Heintschel Struggles But Running Game Dominates
24:58 - Defense Continues to Dominate
30:58 - Special Teams, Penalties, & Looking Ahead to Virginia Tech

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down everything you need to know about Pitt vs. Syracuse, including the biggest matchups, key players and what the Panthers need to do to start conference play with a win.

Syracuse enters the game coming off a frustrating 21-18 loss to Cal in which the Orange outgained the Bears but were undone by three Steve Angeli interceptions, 15 penalties and missed opportunities. Can Pitt's defense create similar problems for Angeli?

Chris breaks down Syracuse's offense and defense, why pressure on Angeli could be one of Pitt's biggest advantages, the importance of playing cleaner football than the Orange, and what we still need to learn about Mason Heintschel and the Pitt offense after last week's rain-soaked win over UCF.

Plus, Chris discusses the latest player availability news, including Ja'Kyrian Turner and Malik Knight, gives his Pitt-Syracuse prediction and takes a look at the biggest games around the ACC and college football this weekend.

Topics include:

• Pitt vs. Syracuse preview
• Steve Angeli and the Syracuse offense
• Pitt's defensive keys to victory
• Syracuse's penalty and turnover problems
• Mason Heintschel and the Pitt offense
• Syracuse's defense
• Ja'Kyrian Turner and Malik Knight injury updates
• Pitt-Syracuse prediction
• ACC and college football Week 3 games

Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for year-round Pitt Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers coverage.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
03:28 - In The News with Pitt and Syracuse
12:36 - Previewing Syracuse
21:13 - Keys to the Game for Pitt
29:33 - Predicting Pitt-Syracuse & Other Games of Interest

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down the biggest takeaways from the Steelers' Week 1 victory, starting with a dominant defensive performance led by T.J. Watt. Watt looked like the game-changing force Steelers fans have grown accustomed to seeing, finishing with two sacks and a pick-six as Pittsburgh made life miserable for Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush.

We also dive into Patrick Graham's impressive defensive debut, Pittsburgh's success containing Bijan Robinson on the ground, and strong performances throughout the Steelers' defensive front.

On offense, there were considerably more questions. Aaron Rodgers showed flashes of what this passing game could become, but drops, missed opportunities and an offensive line that continues to look vulnerable kept Pittsburgh from turning several promising plays into touchdowns. We break down the encouraging signs from Rodgers, Pat Freiermuth and Michael Pittman Jr., the frustrating misses involving DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson, and why the right side of the offensive line could quickly become one of Pittsburgh's biggest problems.

Finally, we dig into the Joey Porter Jr. situation after he was inactive for Week 1. With no contract extension completed before the regular season, Mike McCarthy's postgame comments, continued questions about Porter's availability and trade speculation have created a fascinating situation to watch heading into Week 2.

The Steelers are 1-0. T.J. Watt looks like T.J. Watt again. But there's plenty this team needs to clean up before heading to New England.

Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for Steelers and Pitt football coverage throughout the 2026 season.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:39 - TJ Watt and a Dominant Performance
10:48 - Steelers Dominant Front 7
16:44 - A Rough Performance Offensively
27:05 - Joey Porter Trade Talk

How much of the offense's struggles were due to playing football in a monsoon? Or does Pitt really have major problems to deal with on the offensive line and passing game?

How much of the defensive performance was due to UCF playing in the same monsoon? Or can we confidently conclude Pitt's defense is the real deal?

In today's episode, Chris breaks down his biggest observations of the game and explains what was real, what wasn't, and what to look for heading into Pitt's game against Syracuse on Thursday night.

Be sure to subscribe, like, and share the Pittsburgh Football Podcast with a friend if you enjoy this episode!

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:39 - How Much Did We Actually Learn About Pitt?
18:46 - Pitt's Impressive Defensive Performance
23:40 - Special Teams Might Have Been Pitt's MVP
26:10 - Questionable Timeouts and Clock Management
28:51 - We'll Probably Learn More on Thursday

In Episode 13 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Pittsburgh's Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and breaks down the biggest storylines, matchups and keys to starting the 2026 season 1-0.

First, we catch up on the ongoing Joey Porter Jr. saga. Christian Gonzalez's new contract has further established the cornerback market, the Steelers have reportedly made Porter an offer, and yet the two sides still haven't reached an agreement. Add in Porter's limited practice participation and lingering back issue, and there's now a legitimate question about what role—if any—he'll have against Atlanta.

Then it's time to break down the matchup.

The Falcons have questions at starting quarterback, but Atlanta does have one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in football in Bijan Robinson. Can Pittsburgh's highly paid defensive front contain Robinson, force Atlanta into obvious passing situations and make Tua beat them?

On the other side, we'll finally get our first look at Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. together in Mike McCarthy's offense. Against an Atlanta defense dealing with significant turnover and questions in its front seven, this could be an ideal opportunity for the Steelers' new-look offense to find its footing.

Chris breaks down:

• The latest on Joey Porter Jr.'s contract and Week 1 status
• Why Tua starting could be a major advantage for Pittsburgh
• The challenge of containing Bijan Robinson
• How Pittsburgh's defensive front matches up with Atlanta's offense
• What to expect from Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers' passing game
• Why Michael Pittman Jr. is one of the players to watch
• Where Pittsburgh should have an advantage against Atlanta's defense
• The keys to victory for the Steelers
• A final score prediction

Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for Steelers and Pitt football coverage throughout the 2026 season, and visit PittsburghFootballPodcast.com for more.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:33 - What’s “In The News” for the Steelers & Falcons
17:37 - Previewing the Steelers Offense Against the Falcons
20:26 - Previewing the Steelers Defense Against the Falcons
23:55 - Prediction Time!

After opening the year with a dominant 59-14 win over Miami (Ohio), the Panthers take a significant step up in competition against a UCF team coming off a 73-6 win of its own. In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris down the Knights, what Scott Frost has built in his second season back at UCF, and the matchups that could determine Saturday's game.

Can Pitt's defensive front shut down UCF's rushing attack and force quarterback Alonza Barnett III to beat the Panthers through the air? Can Pitt take advantage of UCF's turnover along both lines of scrimmage? And after throwing for 453 yards and seven touchdowns in Week 1, how will Mason Heintschel respond against an experienced UCF secondary that was one of the better pass defenses in the Big 12 last season?

Chris breaks down why the battle in the trenches could decide this game, what Pitt needs to do to create havoc defensively, why the Panthers' running game could become more important this week, and whether what we saw against Miami was a sign of what's to come.

Plus, a look around the ACC and some of the biggest games in college football this weekend before wrapping up with a Pitt-UCF prediction.

Can Pitt prove that its dominant Week 1 performance was more than just a product of the opponent?

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
03:02 - What’s “In the News” with Pitt?
09:00 - Overview of Scott Frost and the UCF Program
17:35 - Previewing UCF’s Offense & Pitt’s Defensive Matchup
27:06 - Previewing UCF’s Defense & Pitt’s Offensive Matchup
36:06 - Predictions and Other Games Around the ACC

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down his biggest takeaways from Pitt’s blowout victory at Acrisure Stadium, starting with Heintschel’s monster performance: 453 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and another sign that the sophomore quarterback may be taking the leap Pitt hoped to see in Year 2.

Chris discusses what stood out about Heintschel beyond the box score, the early comparisons to Kenny Pickett, and an offense that showed off plenty of speed and a surprisingly deep group of playmakers. He also dives into Blue Hicks’ response to a brutal dropped touchdown, Pitt’s dominant run defense, some growing pains in the secondary, and why the offensive line concerns coming out of Week 1 may be a little overblown.

Plus, one of Pitt’s biggest preseason question marks delivered an encouraging first impression. Antonio Chadha drilled a 58-yard field goal, Gabe Russo impressed at punter, and the Panthers may have some answers in the kicking game — although the kick coverage unit has plenty to clean up.

And yes, we’ll talk about the tarps.

Finally, Chris runs through the biggest results from around the ACC and college football in a chaotic Week 1 before turning the page toward Pitt’s next test against UCF.

Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube, and visit PittsburghFootballPodcast.com for more Pitt and Steelers coverage.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
05:48 - Mason Heintschel and the Pitt Offense
26:16 - Pitt’s Defensive Performance on Saturday
32:13 - A Surprising Special Teams Performance
37:17 - Things You Can Get Mad About (if you really want to)
42:28 - News Around the ACC and Country in Week 1

Miami isn’t your typical Week 1 MAC opponent. The RedHawks have invested heavily in their football program, built one of the more talented rosters in the Group of Six, and enter the season as one of the MAC’s top programs under longtime head coach Chuck Martin. But they’ll also come to Pittsburgh with major questions — including a new starting quarterback who has never taken a snap in a college football game.

We break down Miami’s roster, the matchups that could determine this game, why stopping the RedHawks’ running game should be priority No. 1 for Pitt’s defense, and why Pitt’s experienced offensive line and explosive playmakers could create major problems for a Miami defense replacing a lot of personnel.

Plus, we get into some Pitt and ACC news, including the new tarps going up at Acrisure Stadium, Kade Bell’s comments about the speed Pitt has assembled on offense, what we learned from the ACC in Week Zero, and the latest drama surrounding college football’s new eligibility rules.

Finally, it’s prediction time. I give my final score for Pitt vs. Miami (OH), take a look at the biggest games around the ACC this weekend, and make some picks as the 2026 college football season officially gets underway.

Topics include:

• Pitt vs. Miami (Ohio) preview
• Why Miami is a dangerous MAC opponent
• David McComb making his first college start
• Miami’s plan to run the football against Pitt
• Pitt’s rebuilt defense getting its first test
• Mason Heintschel and Pitt’s explosive offense
• Pitt’s speed at wide receiver and running back
• The new tarps at Acrisure Stadium
• ACC Week Zero takeaways
• Clemson vs. LSU and the biggest ACC games of Week 1
• Pitt vs. Miami (Ohio) predictions

Follow the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for year-round Pitt Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers coverage!

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
03:15 - In the News for Pitt
12:18 - In the News Around the ACC
18:04 - The Disparity Between P4 and G6 Programs
24:58 - Previewing the Miami OH Redhawks
33:36 - Predicting The Game & Previewing Other ACC Matchups

In Episode 9 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, I break down the ongoing contract standoff between Joey Porter Jr. and the Steelers as the clock ticks toward the start of the regular season. With Porter activated from the PUP list and Pittsburgh expecting healthy players to practice, who actually has the leverage now? What happens if Porter continues to hold out and starts accumulating fines? And if he returns without a new contract, does that give the Steelers the upper hand?

More importantly: if the Steelers aren't willing to find a way to extend a young, homegrown player like Porter after successfully drafting and developing him, who exactly are they willing to pay?

Then, I dig into the trades of Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys and Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers. While Pittsburgh managed to get draft capital in return for two players who may not have had significant roles this season, both trades highlight a troubling trend.

Jones was the No. 14 overall pick in 2023. Johnson was the No. 83 overall pick in 2025. Now both are gone — joining a growing list of premium Steelers draft picks who failed to become long-term building blocks for the franchise.

Topics include:

• The latest on Joey Porter Jr.'s contract negotiations
• The leverage Porter and the Steelers each have
• Why the start of the regular season creates a critical deadline
• What happens if Porter practices without a new contract
• Pittsburgh's win-now approach and why Porter should be part of it
• What the Broderick Jones trade says about his development
• Why the Kaleb Johnson trade is more concerning than it might appear
• The Steelers' troubling recent history with first-round draft picks
• Why drafting, developing AND retaining talent has become such an important issue

The regular season is almost here! Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for Steelers and Pitt football coverage throughout the 2026 season.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:48 - Is Joey Porter Jr. Going to be a Steeler in 2026?
20:15 - Broderick Jones and Kaleb Johnson Traded

Pitt opens the 2026 season against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, and if you haven’t been following every twist and turn of the offseason, this episode is designed to get you completely caught up before kickoff.

We go through the biggest developments since Pitt’s bowl loss to East Carolina, including the major roster departures, what Pitt did — and didn’t do — in the transfer portal, and the biggest questions that remain at positions like offensive line, wide receiver, tight end and special teams.

We also break down the chaos surrounding college football’s new 5-for-5 eligibility rule and what it has meant for the possibility of players like Desmond Reid returning to Pitt.

Then we turn our attention to what happened on the field this offseason. There’s been a lot of positive buzz coming out of spring practice and training camp, particularly surrounding Mason Heintschel and the Pitt offense. Pat Narduzzi has been unusually effusive in his praise of that group, while players like Ja'Kyrian “Boozie” Turner, Censere Lee and freshman running back Damon Ferguson have generated plenty of excitement.

On defense, Pitt has major production to replace after losing Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles, but there are reasons to believe the Panthers can reload once again under new defensive coordinator Cory Sanders.

Plus, we discuss Pitt’s new UPMC jersey patch, changes coming to Acrisure Stadium, what stood out from the annual kickoff luncheon, Pitt’s health entering Week 1, and why I’m sticking with my prediction of a 9-3 season and a Pitt team that can contend for a spot in the ACC Championship Game.

If you tuned out after last season ended and are just getting back into Pitt football, this is your primer for the 2026 season.

The wait is over. Let’s play football!

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:48 - Comings and goings on Pitt’s roster
13:25 - The 5-for-5 rule and a crazy summer of legal rulings
23:15 - News and notes from spring ball and summer training camp
33:04 - What’s “In The News”

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In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, I break down everything we’ve heard from Pitt training camp and what I think actually matters as the Panthers prepare for the season. 

The biggest story is Mason Heintschel. After bursting onto the scene as a freshman last season, Heintschel appears to have taken another significant step forward. Pitt’s offense has performed extremely well in camp, Heintschel has drawn rave reviews from both local and national media, and there’s growing reason to believe Pitt could have one of the better quarterbacks and offenses in the ACC. 

We also dive into Ja'Kyrian Turner’s development at running back, the emergence of true freshman Damon Ferguson, Censere Lee and Pitt’s speedy wide receiver room, why the offense winning Pitt’s training camp scrimmages is noteworthy, and why I’m not particularly concerned about Pat Narduzzi’s defense despite some significant personnel losses. 

Finally, we break down one of the strangest stories in college football: the new 5-for-5 eligibility rules and whether former Pitt players could return for another season. 

Could Desmond Reid actually return to Pitt after spending time with the Buffalo Bills? Is Justin Holmes a more realistic option? And if Pitt has an opportunity to bring back a player who can immediately make the team better, should they do it? 

We break it all down as Pitt gets ready to kick off the 2026 season. Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for more Pitt Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers coverage throughout the football season. 

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TIME STAMPS: 

00:00 — Intro 
03:37 — Mason Heintschel’s impressive training camp 
13:57 — Other intel on the offense 
22:15 — intel on the defense 
26:02 — Could Desmond Reid & Justin Holmes be coming back to Pitt? 

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris Gates breaks down the increasingly complicated quarterback situation after Will Howard and Drew Allar took a step backward in the Steelers' second preseason game. Did their performances solidify Mason Rudolph's spot as Aaron Rodgers' backup? Should Pittsburgh carry four quarterbacks? And how should the Steelers balance developing Howard and Allar for the future with building the best possible 53-man roster right now? 

Chris also dives into the growing Joey Porter Jr. contract saga after Mike McCarthy described negotiations between Porter and the Steelers as being at an "impasse." How concerned should Steelers fans be about Porter missing the start of the season? Is there a realistic middle ground on a new contract? And if the two sides truly can't reach an agreement, should Pittsburgh actually consider trading Porter for draft capital that could eventually help the franchise find its next quarterback? 

Plus, Chris explains why the emergence of Asante Samuel could change the equation, why Pittsburgh's quarterback decisions are as much about 2027 as 2026, and why NFL players' cryptic social media posts during contract negotiations need to stop. 

With the final preseason game approaching and the regular season less than three weeks away, it's time for the Steelers to start finding some answers. 

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TIME STAMPS: 

00:00 — Introduction 
03:22 — Will the Steelers Keep 3 or 4 QBs? 
14:52 — Joey Porter Jr. and the Steelers at an Impasse

Forget the preseason hype. In this episode, I break down the entire ACC and explain where I think every team truly belongs entering the year.

I walk through my ACC tier rankings, discuss why I believe Pitt is being underrated nationally, and explain why I have the Panthers as legitimate contenders to reach the ACC Championship Game. Along the way, I also examine the preseason media poll, Pitt's 7.5-win over/under, and why preseason projections should always be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism.

I also break down Pitt's best-case and worst-case scenarios for the season, identify the swing games that will define the year, and explain what has to happen for the Panthers to put themselves in the College Football Playoff conversation.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 — Intro
04:16 — Preseason Projections for Pitt
07:36 — Ranking the ACC by Tiers
20:17 — Best-Case/Worst-Case Scenarios for Pitt

First, we do a complete game recap: evaluating the play-calling under Mike McCarthy, examining how young depth responded, and sorting out the "Good" and "Bad" from game one. From Will Howard and Drew Allar's QB play to standouts like Asante Samuel Jr., Germie Bernard, Robert Tonyan, and Kaden Wetjen, we look at who made a real case for themselves in August. Conversely, we address Troy Fautanu's left tackle struggles and Kaleb Johnson’s alarming lack of usage in the backfield hierarchy.

Then, we transition directly into front-office business: Keeanu Benton securing his new 4-year extension to stay alongside Nick Herbig long-term, Devon Witherspoon’s market-resetting $132M deal in Seattle, and what that means for Joey Porter Jr.'s high-stakes contract negotiations.

In this episode, I break down where my confidence level sits heading into the season and why my opinion of Mike McCarthy has changed dramatically since he was hired. What initially felt like an underwhelming move has slowly become one of the biggest reasons I'm optimistic about where this team is headed.

From there, we dive into the quarterback position. I explain why I think Aaron Rodgers is being underestimated, what a reunion with Mike McCarthy could mean for the offense, and why I believe the Steelers have done a much better job surrounding him with legitimate weapons. I also share my thoughts on the backup quarterback situation, including why I don't think the QB2 competition is quite what many people are making it out to be.

We also take a deep look at both sides of the ball, discussing the biggest reasons for optimism — and the biggest concerns — on offense and defense. From the upgraded receiving corps and offensive line depth to Patrick Graham's aggressive defensive philosophy and an improved secondary, there's plenty to like. At the same time, we discuss the areas that could ultimately determine whether this team reaches its ceiling or falls short.

Finally, I break down my best-case and worst-case scenarios for the season before making my official game-by-game predictions. I explain why I'm picking the Steelers to win the AFC North, finish 11-6, and finally end their playoff drought with a postseason victory.

If you're looking for an in-depth Steelers season preview before Week 1 kicks off, this episode has you covered!

Topics include:

• My evolving thoughts on Mike McCarthy as head coach
• Why I'm optimistic about Aaron Rodgers in 2026
• Breaking down the Steelers' quarterback room
• Offensive strengths and biggest question marks
• Defensive outlook under Patrick Graham
• Best-case vs. worst-case scenarios
• AFC North predictions
• Complete game-by-game schedule prediction
• Final record prediction and playoff outlook

Thanks for listening, and if you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a rating and review, and follow along for weekly Steelers coverage all season long.

TIME STAMPS: 

00:00 - Introduction & Vibe Check
06:31 - Analyzing the Mike McCarthy Hire 
12:37 - Steelers QB Discussion
20:44 - Roster Upgrades in 2026
28:23 - Best Case vs. Worst Case Scenarios for the Season
32:44 - Season Prediction

In this episode, we discuss:

• My overall vibe check heading into training camp
• Why this feels like a pivotal season for Pat Narduzzi
• Whether the hot seat conversation is actually justified
• Why Mason Heintschel is the biggest key to Pitt's season
• Expectations for the offense, defense, and special teams
• The biggest strengths and question marks on the roster
• A complete game-by-game breakdown of the 2026 schedule
• My official season prediction and why I think Pitt has a real opportunity to win nine games

If the Panthers can stay healthy and their young core continues to develop, I think this team has every opportunity to be playing meaningful football in November again.

Do you agree with my predictions? Where do you think Pitt finishes this season? Let me know your thoughts!

If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes throughout the season. You can also visit PittsburghFootballPodcast.com to read articles, join the mailing list, and follow the show across social media.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
04:59 - My overall Pitt Vibe Check
13:09 - Pat Narduzzi and “Hot Seat” Discussion
22:09 - Previewing Pitt’s offense
29:21 - Previewing Pitt’s defense
33:41 - Previewing Pitt’s special teams
36:36 - Prediction time

In this episode, I (Chris) dive into why I'm launching this show, what makes it distinctly different from traditional sports radio and podcasts, and what you can expect as we head into the upcoming football season and beyond.

If you’re tired of rushed hot takes, endless commercial breaks, and superficial sports talk, you’ve found the right home. This podcast is built for die-hard fans who want real, detailed, in-the-weeds discussions about Pitt and the Steelers. I'm obsessed with this stuff, and I can't get enough of it.

If it sounds like something you'd like to follow along with for the coming football season, please subscribe. Thanks for listening!