Elliot Donald Transfer Portal: 3 Landing Spots for Pitt DL ft. North Carolina
The Elliot Donald experience is done after four years in Pittsburgh, as the Panthers’ defensive tackle is joining the transfer portal. Donald, the nephew of former Pitt and Los Angeles Rams standout, Aaron Donald, could not get on the field consistently to make an impact.
The junior defensive lineman was considered a 4-star recruit by 247 Sports back in 2020, and his commitment seemed to be one of the best landed by head coach Pat Narduzzi. However, it never translated onto the field.
Donald had his most productive season in 2024, with 81 snaps played. Yet, those translated into only six tackles, a career-high, before being sidelined by an injury after four games.
Based on his potential, Elliot Donald could still garner interest from some schools in the portal for his final season of college eligibility.
Elliot Donald Transfer Portal: 3 Landing Spots for Pitt DL
#3. Cincinnati Bearcats
As evidenced by their 2025 recruiting class, the Bearcats are looking to get stronger in the trenches. Cincinnati struggled on defense in 2024, allowing 385.4 total yards per game (86th in the nation). While they need to step up everywhere, the defensive line would be a good starting point.
With all the experience he has gotten at Pittsburgh, Elliot Donald would not only help the embattled defensive line, one that will return Dontay Corleone as an integral part of the unit but also help ease the transition into the next generation.
Besides Corleone, defensive end Rob Jackson will also be coming back. However, there is little experience behind them along the line, and the Central Catholic High School product would also add much-needed size. For Donald, it would open the door to see some action after an injury-riddled 2024.
#2. Florida State Seminoles
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The Seminoles started the year allowing 190 yards to Georgia Tech and never truly recovered. Their rushing defense ranked 107th in the country, allowing 184.7 yards per game.
While Florida State’s top commit for the 2025 season is defensive lineman Kevin Wynn, the Seminoles need a lot of manpower to recover after 2024’s ugly performance, as Mike Norvell will look to turn the program around fast.
Patrick Payton, Joshua Farmer, Darrell Jackson Jr. and Marvin Jones Jr. could all come back next year, but with their 2024 performance, any help will be welcomed in Tallahassee, and Donald could fit the bill.
#1. North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels defense was unimpressive this year, ranking 76th in total defense, with 377 yards per game allowed. They were also ranked 59th versus the run, with 144.4 rushing yards per game.
Not only that, but their three leading tacklers along the defensive line for the 2024 season – Jahvaree Ritzie, Desmond Evans and Kevin Hester Jr. – are all seniors, leaving the UNC line in flux. Junior Travis Shaw figures to take over one of the starting spots, but there isn’t a lot of depth in the interior.
With only 12 total tackles in his college career, Elliot Donald needs to get on the field, and the Tar Heels might offer that chance. Still doing it on a Power 4 program after Donlad’s struggles in Pitt could be a fit for both sides.