The University of Pittsburgh’s men’s basketball program climbed into the top 8 nationally in the 2026 recruiting class, according to ESPN. A huge achievement for head coach Jeff Capel and his staff. The Panthers secured commitments from three significant prospects within a three-week span. Forward Chase Foster (No. 39), guard Jermal Jones (No. 71) and wing Anthony Felesi (No. 76).
Foster stands out as a high-ceiling front-court athlete with rim-finishing and perimeter abilities. His skillset is ideal for immediate ACC-level impact and could be a day-one starter. Jones offers back-court versatility and defensive intensity, while Felesi adds floor spacing and size on the wing. Capel’s staff moved aggressively and succeeded in a condensed time frame.
For the Panthers, this class shows a potential turning point. After competitive seasons, Pitt is establishing its recruiting identity and showing it can attract top-100 talent. While the class isn’t headlined by five-star prospects, the collective quality and fit suggest long-term promise.
If Capel can develop these players, Pittsburgh could re-emerge as a force in the Atlantic Coast Conference. This is a plus considering the level of competition in the conference with Duke and UNC at the top. The 2026 class gives Panthers fans reasons to believe in a brighter Big Ten-era future.
More college basketball news:
Duke Basketball one-and-done makes NBA history, earns Player of the Week honor
Bruce Pearl becomes Auburn super fan during son's loss to No. 1 Houston