Pitt Football 8/30/25 vs Duquesne Preview

S. Samek

Pitt takes on Duquesne in the 2025 season opener. What’s the gridiron version of the city game got in store?

The game is being played for the first time in 86 years. Pitt leads the all-time series 5-2.

Duquesne went 8-3 in 2024 with a 5-1 record in the NEC. They also went undefeated at home with a 5-0 record.

Duquesne had seven players named to the preseason All-NEC conference team. They were also picked to finish second in the NEC coaches poll behind only Central Connecticut State. The Dukes have received first place votes in 14 of the past 15 NEC preseason polls.

Taj Butts returns from an injury and was top 10 in the NEC in rushing in 2023. He was a transfer from Missouri. Wide receiver Joey Isabella was a first team All-NEC player in 2024. He caught 11 touchdown passes last season and is riding the longest streak in the FCS for games with a touchdown reception at eight.

A.J. Ackerman, Jack Dunkley, DJ Cerisier and Antonio Epps anchor the defense. Ackerman started 11 games and recorded 18 tackles with 1.5 tackles for a loss. Dunkley tied for the conference lead with 12.5 tackles for a loss. He also had 9.5 sacks last season. Cerisier finished with 20 tackles and three pass breakups in 11 games played as a redshirt freshman in 2024. Epps had a team best 55 tackles in 2024 after recording 72 in 2023.

Duquesne looks pretty solid and could contend for a FCS playoff spot and NEC conference championship this season. However, I don’t think this will be more than a tune-up game for the Panthers. I’m predicting Pitt to win easily by 20-30 points.