Pitt vs. Duquesne 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

The Pitt Panthers kick off their 2025 season with an FCS opponent in the form of the Duquesne Dukes. Pitt is coming off a disastrous end to their 2024 season, where they lost their last six games. With a veteran roster and plenty of key players returning, Pitt is looking to make a push for their first appearance in the ACC Championship since 2021. Meanwhile Duquesne finished 8-3 and second in the North East Conference. It’s Pitt vs. Duquesne to kick off the 2025 college football season in Week 1, so let’s dive in.

Duquesne Dukes vs. Pittsburgh Panthers: Matchup History

The only history in this matchup comes on the hardwood. Pitt and Duquesne are known as basketball rivals, and have not matched up on the gridiron since 1939. Pitt leads the all-time series 4-2. The two teams played six times from 1932-1939.

Duquesne vs. Pitt 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

Key Players for Duquesne

Duquesne’s offense is due for regression in 2025 as they are forced to replace fifth-year senior Darrius Perrantes, who graduated last year. They have yet to name an official starter, but you can expect it to be one of Xavier Rice or Logan Kushner. Kushner seemed to have the edge at the end of fall camp. He is a sophomore from nearby North Allegheny High School.

For the skill positions, the Dukes are led by sixth-year receiver Joey Isabella. Isabella, the brother of former Arizona Cardinals receiver Andy, is coming off a great 2024 campaign where he had 43 receptions for 782 yards and 11 touchdowns. Isabella is someone to keep an eye on, considering how much one-on-one coverage Pitt likes to play on the outside.

Taj Butts will be the starting running back for Duquesne in 2025. A transfer from Missouri who missed most of 2024 with an injury.

On the other side of the ball, Duquesne has a stud in defensive end Jack Dunkley. He led the NEC in sacks a year ago and will definitely be someone Kade Bell has circled in the meeting room.

Key Players for Pitt

Eli Holstein had a roller coaster of a freshman season in 2024. From brilliant comeback wins to brutal performances in losses, he had the full experience. In 10 games played, Holstein had 2225 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also added 81 rushes for 328 yards and four scores.

Coming into his sophomore year, Pitt needs Holstein to take that next step and play consistently throughout the season. Although his season was hindered by injuries, Holstein has a lot of doubters to prove wrong in his second year as a starter.

Running back Desmond Reid was the star of the show for Pitt in 2024. He followed OC Kade Bell to Pitt from Western Carolina in the offseason prior to last year. The all-purpose All American had 184 carries for 966 yards and five touchdowns, while also adding 52 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns through the air.

If Reid matches his production from a year ago, Pitt will be a dangerous team. If he improves even more, he could be in New York for the Heisman ceremony. That’s how electric he is. Reid was an absolute workhorse in 2024, and fans should expect more of the same in 2025.

On defense, Pitt is led by the linebacker duo of Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles. Louis was a first-team All American in 2024 where he finished with 100 total tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions, and a forced fumble. He is the definition of a game-wrecker, and will be someone every opposing team is planning for.

Meanwhile, Biles had 81 total tackles, six sacks, one interception and a forced fumble in 2024. Pitt is relying heavily on these two guys to lead the defensive operation for them in 2025.

Game Prediction

As far as the game goes, this write-up will be underwhelming. Duquesne should compete for the NEC crown again, but they are not good enough to compete with P4 competition.

Pitt should control this game from the jump with their physicality, with their starters sitting by the fourth quarter.

Score Prediction: Pitt 49, Duquesne 14.