Pitt LB Brandon George Decides to Return to the Panthers

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Sports Now
By Karl Ludwig | Last updated 12/10/23

Brandon George decided to enter the transfer portal last month as a grad transfer, but after nearly two weeks on the market, he’s decided to return to Pittsburgh.

George announced Sunday night that he will return to Pittsburgh for his sixth and final season of collegiate eligibility — providing a boost to the linebacking corps. He is the first Panther who enter the portal to find a “new” home.

“I’m thrilled to announce after several conversations with my coaches, teammates, and family, I will remain at the University of Pittsburgh for my final season,” George wrote on Twitter. “While I initially considered a transfer, it became apparent that my heart was always with Panther Nation. This is my home! I look forward to continuing my football and academic journey at this incredible university! Hail to Pitt.”

H2P! pic.twitter.com/bofbt5iJyo

— Brandon George (@B_George06) December 10, 2023

George was limited to just three games in 2022, preserving a medical redshirt, so he entered the 2023 season with two seasons of eligibility. And he played in 12 games this season, serving as a key reserve ‘backer.

In a backup role for Pitt last season, playing in all 12 games but not starting, he racked up 49 tackles (24 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception in 296 defensive snaps — grading out as one of the better Pitt defenders.

George played in 51 games over his five seasons at Pitt, playing in every game between 2020 and 2023, aside from the games missed to injury in 2022, and he has recorded 112 tackles (60 solo), 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and two pass breakups in his Pitt career.

Pitt will now be without Shayne Simon, Bangally Kamara and Aydin Henningham in 2024. That’s two two-year starters (one of which was a captain) who played a lot of football in 2023. George’s return does pencil him into an increased role in 2024.

Jordan Bass, Braylan Lovelace, Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles all saw the field last season, with Bass and Louis even earning a start in 2023, and all four of them should compete for snaps in 2024. The return of George instantly fills the Mike linebacker role, but the coaching staff could still look to add another Mike ‘backer.

For all your college football transfer portal needs, check out the Portal Report and their Transfer Portal Tracker.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Sports Now and was syndicated with permission.

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