Pitt seniors Baer and Scott face final home game against Florida State
The offensive tackle and defensive end spent five years at the University of Pittsburgh, a commitment that has become rare in modern college football.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Ryan Baer and Jimmy Scott will play their last home game for the Pittsburgh Panthers on Friday against Florida State. The match serves as a milestone for two players who have spent their entire collegiate careers at one institution.
Both athletes arrived on campus in 2022. Baer, an offensive tackle, was a teenager without a driver's license. Scott, a defensive end, knew little about the city of Pittsburgh. Five years later, they are preparing to depart after a season that includes senior night at Acrisure Stadium.
Scott redshirted in his first year and served as a reserve in 2023 before becoming a starter in 2024. Baer also redshirted to start his career. Their steady development contrasts with the current landscape of college athletics, where the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness deals often prompt players to change schools.
Head coach Pat Narduzzi, in his 12th year at Pitt, has maintained a stable leadership presence. Baer noted that the coaching staff's consistency fostered a culture of loyalty. Baer stated that seeing coaches stay in their roles for 12 to 13 years encouraged players to reciprocate that dedication.
Narduzzi believes his tenure offers a model for player retention. He acknowledged that some athletes seek financial opportunities elsewhere, but he hopes the senior class demonstrates that staying at one program is a viable path. The coaching staff has worked to maintain stability despite shifts in the sport.
Scott attributed his decision to remain to his affection for the city and his teammates. He is from Buffalo, New York, which is near Pittsburgh. He also cited his relationship with the coaching staff and the group of players who arrived with him in 2022. Scott said he loves the people and the city.
Baer pointed to his friendship with right guard BJ Williams as a key factor. The two players have operated next to each other on the offensive line for several seasons. Baer calculated that the financial gains from transferring did not justify breaking those bonds. He noted that building deep friendships is difficult when moving to a new team every year.
Friday's game against Florida State will be the final time Baer and Scott play at home for Pitt. Two regular season games remain on the schedule, followed by a potential bowl game. Baer expects to feel sadness during the pregame rituals when he runs out to his family on the field. He described the moment as surreal but noted the team still has ball to play.
