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After a stellar sophomore season that included winning the Biletnikoff Award and earning consensus All-America honors, star Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison is reportedly considering a transfer with USC as a potential destination, according to multiple reports. Although Addison has yet to enter the portal, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he is being offered a multimillion-dollar Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal to leave the Panthers.
When Addison enters the portal, he immediately becomes one of the most desirable players out there. However, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Saturday, citing a source close to Addison that a return to Pittsburgh remains an option for the star receiver. Already making waves as a potential first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the 6-foot, 175-pound Addison could be a deadly weapon for the Trojans — or any team that lands his serve. Addison caught 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns and helped lead the Panthers to an ACC championship and an 11-3 record in 2021.
The deadline for athletes to enter the transfer portal and remain eligible to play for the 2022 season is Sunday May 1st.
Addison’s departure would further change the composition of a Pittsburgh offense that will look very different next season. With star quarterback Kenny Pickett picked up by the Steelers in Thursday’s first round of the NFL draft and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple departing for Nebraska, the Panthers’ character is being led by a new cast.
First-year offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti is taking over Whipple and USC transfer Kedon Slovis looks like the likely front-runner to take the quarterback job for the Panthers, who open the season Sept. 1 against West Virginia.