Rasheem Biles, the Pitt Panthers’ standout linebacker, has officially announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal for his final year of eligibility, sending ripples through the college football landscape. The move, confirmed on December 31, 2025, means Pitt will lose one of its most dynamic defenders just as the program faces a series of offseason changes and challenges. On3, Post-Gazette, and 247Sports all reported the development, highlighting its significance for both Biles and the Panthers.
Biles, a native of Pickerington Central in Ohio, arrived at Pitt as a three-star recruit in 2023. He quickly developed into a linchpin for the Panthers defense, earning Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2024 and rising to Second-Team All-ACC in 2025. Across three seasons, he played in 31 games and accumulated 185 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks—a stat line that speaks volumes about his consistency and impact. Notably, his playmaking extended beyond tackling: three interceptions, all returned for touchdowns, along with multiple forced fumbles and pass breakups, underlined his versatility and nose for game-changing moments.
The 2025 season cemented Biles’ status as one of college football’s premier linebackers. Despite missing three games due to injury, he posted 101 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and three defensive touchdowns in just ten games. His performance in the Military Bowl against East Carolina—16 tackles, five for loss, two sacks, and a scoop-and-score touchdown—was lauded as one of the most dominant ever by a Pitt linebacker, even as the Panthers fell 23-17.
But numbers only tell part of the story. Biles became the heart of Pitt’s defense at a time when the program was navigating change. His rise coincided with the departure of fellow linebacker Kyle Louis to the NFL Draft, and he spent two seasons as a starter, forging a dynamic partnership that defined the Panthers’ defensive identity. Yet, as Biles prepares to move on, Pitt must now fill two starting linebacker spots—a daunting task for any coaching staff.
Coaching changes have complicated the picture. Defensive coordinator Randy Bates retired, and safeties coach Cory Sanders was promoted to fill the role. Meanwhile, Biles’ primary recruiter and linebackers coach, Ryan Manalac, accepted the defensive coordinator position at Connecticut. The timing of these departures, along with Biles’ decision, signals a period of transition for Pitt football, with depth and leadership suddenly in flux.
The transfer portal itself is in the spotlight this year. For the first time, NCAA rules provide just one window for player movement, opening January 2 and closing January 16. Biles joins a growing list of Pitt players seeking new opportunities, including starting center Lyndon Cooper and wide receiver Kenny Johnson. These moves reflect broader trends in college football, where athletes are increasingly seeking situations that maximize both their development and visibility.
Biles’ career at Pitt was marked by resilience as much as talent. Despite multiple injuries that sidelined him for several games, he maintained elite production and earned conference honors. The defense he anchored finished the 2025 season with an 8-5 record, the program’s best since 2022, but a late-season slide—including the Military Bowl loss—left coaches and fans hungry for more.
For Pitt, replacing Biles is no easy task. Braylan Lovelace, an All-ACC honorable mention, is set to return, while promising talents Jeremiah Marcelin and Jayden Bonsu will come back from injuries. Yet, as Post-Gazette notes, few athletes bring the combination of athleticism, leadership, and playmaking that defined Biles’ tenure.
The transfer portal remains unpredictable. For Biles, the decision to transfer rather than pursue the NFL now signals a strategic choice to further showcase his skills and perhaps compete for a higher draft position. It also raises questions for Pitt’s future: Can the team maintain its defensive edge amid such upheaval? Will the new coaching staff and returning players step up to fill the void?
As the portal opens, all eyes will be on Biles’ next destination. His legacy at Pitt is secure—a testament to the power of hard work and the impact one player can have on a program. Yet the story is far from over. In the ever-evolving world of college football, Rasheem Biles’ next move promises to be one worth watching.
Biles’ transfer marks a pivotal moment for Pitt football, underscoring the program’s vulnerability in a shifting collegiate landscape. The confluence of player movement and coaching changes highlights the challenges teams face in maintaining continuity and competitiveness, even as individual athletes pursue their own paths to success.