The Pittsburgh Panthers had three players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. An additional three Panthers were signed to undrafted contracts after the draft had concluded.
Just prior to this weekend, another three Pitt players received invites to NFL rookie minicamps. Here’s a look at which additional three Panthers have a chance to extend their football careers in the NFL.
Nate Matlack, defensive end
Pitt Panthers defensive end Nate Matlack (2) rushes against California Golden Bears offensive lineman Nick Morrow (52). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Matlack received minicamp invites from both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs.
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Nate Matlack began his collegiate career at Kansas State in 2021. After three seasons there that included 9.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss, he’d transfer to Pittsburgh.
The 6’5″ and 245-Lb. Matlack played only the 2024-25 season with the Panthers. He appeared in all 13 games and recorded 22 total tackles with a forced fumble and 3 passes defended. Of those 22 stops, he had 5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss.
P.J. O’Brien, safety
Pitt Panthers defensive back Phillip O’Brien Jr. (5) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina Tar Heels Nate McCollum (6). © Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
After playing all four of his collegiate years at Pitt, O’Brien has an initial shot to continue his football career from the same locker room. He received a rookie minicamp invite from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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In four years with the Panthers, O’Brien had 4 interceptions, broke up 5 passes, and had 103 total tackles.
O’Brien’s best season was during the 2023-24 campaign. He had 3 interceptions and 41 tackles, both career-bests. Last season, O’Brien had an interception and 33 tackles over 13 contests.
Jason Collier, guard
Pitt Panthers offensive lineman Jason Collier Jr. (50) blocks against Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Stephiylan Green (90). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Collier received rookie minicamp invites from both the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants. He originally came to Pitt in 2019 as a tight end.
After redshirting as a freshman in 2019 and not seeing any playing time in 2020, Collier made the switch to offensive line. He’d see little time in 2021 before seeing more extensive action the last two years.
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A 6’6″ and 320-Lb. lineman, Collier has seen action at both guard spots. He’s played in 49 games, making 9 starts over the last two seasons.
Here are the other Pitt players that were brought in by NFL teams, either as draft choices or undrafted signings.
Branson Taylor, G/T (6th – Chargers)
Gavin Bartholomew, TE (6th – Vikings)
Konata Mumpfield, WR (7th – Rams)
Brandon George, LB (UDFA – Chiefs)
Donovan McMillon, S (UDFA – Browns)
Ben Sauls, K (UDFA – Steelers)
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