As Pitt’s 2025 campaign came to an end with a defeat in the Military Bowl, acquiring additional help at cornerback quickly became a priority.
That was due to the team’s two primary corners, Rashad Battle and Tamon Lynum, declaring for the NFL Draft.
As the transfer portal window (Jan. 2-16) is open, Pitt has done well to address the position. On Thursday, the Panthers secured commitments from Slippery Rock’s Kanye Thompson and later, Auburn’s Raion Strader.
Strader announced his commitment to Pitt on Instagram.
Strader (Penn Hills), like Thompson (McKeesport) is a WPIAL alum. This upcoming fall, both will join the likes of Shawn Lee (who flirted with the transfer portal) and Shadarian Harrison, both of whom gained valuable starting experience, as well as incoming freshman Da’Ron Barksdale from Steel Valley.
Last season, Strader, who will be a senior in 2026, played in 12 games for the Tigers, recording nine tackles and three pass breakups.
Previously, he played two seasons at Miami (Ohio), where he was a first-team All-MAC selection in 2024, posting 53 tackles, two picks and 18 pass breakups.
The previous year, as a freshman, he made 57 tackles and had 13 pass breakups.
For his efforts, he was named an All-American by College Football Network, becoming the first Redhawks freshman to earn that honor since Ben Roethlisberger did so (via the Football Writers Association of America) in 2001.
