University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Newcomer Notebook: Tight Ends and Offensive Linemen
2/27/2026 4:00:00 PM | Football
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PITTSBURGH—Pitt's newest additions in the offensive line and tight end rooms arrived with different backgrounds, but similar reasons.
For former Penn tackle Netinho Olivieri, the transfer portal was always part of the plan. With his Ivy League eligibility complete, he knew he wanted one more year, and Pitt reached out right away.
"They really liked me, and I really liked what they showed," Olivieri said. "It was a great match right away."
A multi-time first-team All-Ivy selection, Olivieri was drawn to Pitt's pro-style approach and emphasis on the passing game. He said the transition has felt natural in tempo and structure, even as the ACC presents a different challenge.
"The speed is similar," he said. "It's the size and physicality…that's really a step ahead."
John Curran's path to Pitt was more local, and more importantly, lifelong. The Pine-Richland standout and longtime Pitt fan earned an offer at a camp and committed quickly.
"It was honestly like a dream come true," Curran said.
Now working primarily at guard, Curran said older linemen have helped him settle in as he prepares for his first college spring.
"They've been serving as my mentors," he said.
Keylen Davis brings experience and leadership after starting three years at Akron. His portal decision came fast, but he said it wasn't about facilities, it was about people.
"It was the people," Davis said. "Developing me as a player and as a man."
He's been working mainly at left guard but says versatility has always been part of his game.
"I can play all five," Davis said.
At tight end, Elijah Lagg and Carson Kent add different layers to the room. Lagg, a former wrestler with a JUCO background, sees himself as a true hybrid.
"I'm a physical run blocker and a dynamic route runner," he said.
Kent arrives with SEC reps and College Football Playoff experience, and he's made his priorities clear.
"My one goal is to come win a championship here," Kent said.
Freshman Wyatt Villarreal, a physical blocker with receiver experience, said Pitt's tight end usage and the family feel sold him, and he's keeping his focus simple early.
"I'm just trying to get 1% better a day," Villarreal said.
The common theme across the rooms has been steady buy-in and daily work. Now, it will be put to the test as spring ball begins next Monday.
Players Mentioned
