Big Recruiting Weekend for Pitt: 2026 3-Star WR Oliver Bender

Panthers Host a Trio of Top Targets

It was a big recruiting weekend for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers football team as they hosted a trio of top targets. The highlight of the weekend was the commitment of 2026 three-star wide receiver Oliver Bender.

Bender: A Talented Playmaker

Bender is a 6'2", 185-pound wide receiver from Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He is rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and is considered one of the top wide receivers in the Class of 2026.

Bender is a versatile playmaker who can line up at wide receiver, slot receiver, or tight end. He has great size and athleticism, and he is a very good route runner. He is also a willing blocker and has a good understanding of the game. 247Sports projects Bender to be a high-impact player at Power Five level.

Panthers Make Early Impression

The Panthers made a great impression on Bender and his family during their visit. They were impressed with the coaching staff, the facilities, and the overall atmosphere at Pitt.

Pitt is in a good position to land Bender's commitment. They are his only Power Five offer at this time, and he has a good relationship with the coaching staff. The Panthers are also a rising program, and they are coming off a 9-4 season in 2022.

Other Visitors

In addition to Bender, the Panthers also hosted two other top targets this weekend: four-star defensive end David Bailey and three-star linebacker Elijah Herring.

Bailey is a 6'6", 230-pound defensive end from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. He is rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals and is considered one of the top defensive ends in the Class of 2026.

Herring is a 6'2", 215-pound linebacker from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. He is rated as a three-star recruit by ESPN and is considered one of the top linebackers in the Class of 2026.

The Panthers are hoping to land commitments from all three of these players. They are all talented players who would be great additions to the 2026 recruiting class.