The Pitt Panthers have hit the transfer portal for a quarterback again.
Pitt secured the commitment of a major transfer from right within the ACC. Boston College Eagles quarterback Phil Jurkovec will play for the Panthers in 2023.
ESPN insider Pete Thamel reported the news of Jurkovec’s transfer on Monday. The BC quarterback spoke exclusively to Thamel and ESPN. Thamel tweeted, “Phil Jurkovec told ESPN: ‘I’m thankful to Coach Narduzzi and Coach Cignetti and the University of Pittsburgh for allowing me the opportunity to come home and compete.'”
The move comes hours after Pitt quarterback Kedon Slovis announced that he would be entering the transfer portal.
Jurkovec does return home with this move. He’s a native of the area, having attended Pine-Richland High School in northern Pittsburgh. He was once offered by Pitt all the way back in 2015. Originally, Jurkovec was committed to Notre Dame before he transferred to BC.
In 2020, Jurkovec threw for 2,558 yards and 17 touchdowns. Last season, he threw for 1,711 yards and 11 touchdowns in an injury-riddled season. The hope for Jurkovec and Pitt is he returns to that 2020 form next year.
The QB transfer market has been bountiful so far. Cade McNamara transferred from Michigan to Iowa late last week. Hudson Card and D.J. Uiagalelei are also two names to watch for after they each hit the portal.
As SB Nation blog BC Interruption pointed out, Pitt and BC will play annually beginning next year. So, Jurkovec will see his former team right away.
Former Boston College QB Phil Jurkovec is reportedly committed to transfer to Pitt.
With the new ACC scheduling format, Pitt and BC will become yearly rivals starting in 2023. Jurkovec will kick-off that rivalry by facing his former school. https://t.co/NfbCDrvW2h
— BC Interruption (@bcinterruption) December 5, 2022
More reactions to Jurkovec and his transfer played out in the afternoon. Including many who welcomed the quarterback home to Pittsburgh.
Former Pine-Richland quarterback Phil Jurkovec, one of the WPIAL’s best QBs ever, is returning home to play at #Pitt as a grad transfer.
Jurkovec battled injuries this year, but was thought to be a QB with first round potential before the season began. @937theFan
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) December 5, 2022
The last time Phil Jurkovec played at Acrisure Stadium. pic.twitter.com/ye7luUNXuh
— Jeremiah Miller (@JeremiahMiller0) December 5, 2022
Former Boston College QB Phil Jurkovec has announced he’ll be transferring to the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Good pickup for them in my opinion. pic.twitter.com/SHS8PVobUi
— CFBLIVE247™ (@CFBLive247_) December 5, 2022
That didn’t take long https://t.co/MhTAHN3YlY
— Chris Hoffman (@NewsmanChris) December 5, 2022
Welcome home @pjurkovec https://t.co/pD9CI18dIc
— Jeff Verszyla (@Verz) December 5, 2022
Makes a lot of sense.
A ton of NFL eyes on Phil Jurkovec. If he doesn’t do well this year, he’s probably playing in an alt league in 2023. https://t.co/q99EBtQPmW
— John “Draft” Vogel (@DraftVogel) December 5, 2022
Welcome home @pjurkovec #H2P https://t.co/GMlld8unmF
— Phil (@philmains) December 5, 2022