With 4 more opt-outs, Pitt will go to Sun Bowl without 8 of its best players

Dramatic change is coming to Pitt football and not at the traditional time when we used to expect it. You know, after the last game.

It’s happening now, 11 days before Pitt plays UCLA in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.

Eight of the best players who helped Pitt finish 8-4 in the regular season are opting out of the bowl game to either prepare for the NFL Draft, recuperate from an injury or transfer to another school.

Four players announced Monday on their Twitter accounts — later confirmed by coach Pat Narduzzi — that they will forego the bowl game to immediately start preparing for the NFL Draft.

That group now consists of:

• Running back Izzy Abanikanda, a first-team All-ACC selection who led the conference in rushing (1,431 yards) and carried the Pitt offense for much of the season.

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— Izzy GetsBusy (@IAbanikanda) December 19, 2022

• Middle linebacker SirVocea Dennis, the quarterback of the defense and also a first-team, all-conference choice.

Forever, Hail to Pitt! pic.twitter.com/G1stbt4K0e

— Voss (@Sirvocea) December 19, 2022

• Defensive end Deslin Alexandre, a co-captain and big part of Pitt’s pass rush with 8¹⁄₂ hurries and 5¹⁄₂ sacks.

Blessed???????? #H2P pic.twitter.com/K4sXawezQ5

— Deslin Alexandre (@_Deslin) December 19, 2022

• Offensive tackle Gabe Houy, an Upper St. Clair graduate who played in 48 games with 32 starts over five seasons.

Thank you Pitt #H2P pic.twitter.com/OGd5koi6KA

— Gabe Houy (@GabeHouy) December 19, 2022

• Consensus All-American defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, who previously was ruled out because of shoulder surgery.

• Strong safety Brandon Hill, another opt-out who said Saturday he plans to skip the bowl game to prepare for the draft.

• Quarterback Kedon Slovis and defensive end John Morgan entered the NCAA transfer portal.

The opt-outs leave Pitt without its four captains, Alexandre, Dennis, Slovis and offensive tackle Carter Warren, who missed the past eight games with an injury. He also declared for the draft Monday.

Forever Grateful!???????? pic.twitter.com/Cphi2NulZ5

— CARTER⚡️ (@CarterWarren79) December 19, 2022

Redshirt senior Habakkuk Baldonado has accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game. He could play the Sun Bowl, but he missed the past two games with an injury. When asked about the future plans of Kancey, Baldonado and senior wide receiver Jared Wayne, all of whom could return next season, Narduzzi declined comment.

Also on Monday, senior free safety Erick Hallett II announced his plans to enter the draft, but the Texas native concluded his Twitter announcement with these words: “We have one more mission. See you in El Paso.”

To the City of Champions ✨H2P pic.twitter.com/IN3PyWoRjZ

— E.P.H II (@Erick_Hallett4) December 19, 2022

For his part, Pitt’s coach is dealing with mixed feelings.

“I wish I would have known before the Miami (last regular-season) game,” Narduzzi said. “Maybe they knew, and I didn’t know. You’d just like to go out the right way.

“So that’s my regret, that I didn’t get the chance to have that last-game feeling with those guys. You didn’t get that last chance to give them a hug in the locker room after the game.”

But he also understands players opting out of bowl games is becoming nearly normal across the country. Last year, Pitt went into the Peach Bowl without quarterback Kenny Pickett and cornerback Damarri Mathis.

“It’s a great thing. We wish those guys luck,” Narduzzi said. “We all have decisions to make. It tells you they’ve gotten good reviews from their agents (about draft status).

“We, obviously, wish they were playing, but that’s their decision. All our staff can do is educate them on what we think. They have to make a decision on what’s best for them.”

Why are opt-outs becoming so common? Narduzzi believes it’s inevitable.

“Why is this thing called a transfer portal? It’s all the same question. It’s the age we’re living in.

“Fifteen years ago, 10 years ago, guys would have given their left leg to go play in a bowl game. I don’t think it’s the case anymore. It’s sad because the bowl games are so much fun. It’s a reward for a great season. We’re looking forward to going down to the Sun Bowl. It’s a great bowl. We’re excited. I’m excited. Our families are excited.

“There are a lot of things we could say, ‘Why do they do this? Why is the world like it is today?’ I can’t really answer that. Kids nowadays they want to move on and go to the next thing. And it’s a great thing. That’s a lifelong dream to go do that.

“Sometimes, some guys want to jump and do it too early. They get all excited, `I want to go train. I want to get to the next step.’ And it’s OK.

“Everybody wants to go to the NFL, except me.”

The next question is what does Pitt do now?

“This team right here,” Narduzzi said, “the guys who are in this indoor (training facility where Pitt practiced Monday) are worried about finishing the season the right way and trying to go 5-0 in November and December.”

Younger players will get increased opportunity, but Narduzzi emphasized, “The No. 1 thing we’re going to do is try and win a football game. It’s not about 2023.”

At quarterback, Nick Patti appears to be the choice to replace Slovis for the bowl, but Narduzzi said there will be competition the next two weeks with redshirt freshman Nate Yarnell.

“It’s a battle right now. Nick Patti was on fire today,” the coach said. “Off of today, it was Nick Patti. We’ll see what happens (Tuesday).”

Also, senior Brandon George, who missed all but three games this season with an injury, is healthy now and could replace Dennis at middle linebacker.

Asked about Slovis’ decision to transfer, Narduzzi said, “To me, it’s about those guys and what’s best for them. I respect everybody’s decision. We wish every one of those guys luck. I love Kedon. He’s a great kid. He helped us win eight football games.

“At that point (during the season), I believe he was our best quarterback to lead our 2022 season. We’ll leave it at that.”