Pitt loses defensive end Sam Okunlola, running back T.J. Harvison to transfer portal

The number of Pitt football players who have opted to enter the transfer portal increased to 12 Monday when two young players — defensive end Sam Okunlola and running back T.J. Harvison — decided to take their talents elsewhere.

Okunlola, a redshirt freshman, is a significant loss after he was one of the team’s top players on defense, albeit as a starter for only two games. He was considered a big part of Pitt’s future.

After the portal opened Monday, Okunlola tweeted that he received an offer from ACC champion Florida State.

Blessed to receive an offer from Florida State University pic.twitter.com/FJqDMXyyTz

— Samuel Okunlola (@Samokunlola87) December 5, 2023

He was the most productive pass rusher on the defensive line, recording five sacks to tie linebacker Shayne Simon for the team lead. He also had 18 tackles, six for a loss, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

Okunlola is native of Brockton, Mass., who was rated a four-star high school prospect by Rivals.com. His brother, Samson, is an offensive lineman at Miami.

Okunlola is Pitt’s eighth defensive player to enter the portal, joining starting defensive end Nate Temple; linebackers Bangally Kamara, Brandon George and Aydin Henningham; defensive tackle DeAndre Jules and backup safeties Stephon Hall (Central Valley) and Buddy Mack.

Pitt RB TJ Harvison (@DreamWayTJ) has entered the transfer portal

— AithELITE (@AithELITE) December 4, 2023

Harvison did not appear in any games this year during his freshman season and was facing competition in 2024. Rising senior Rodney Hammond has said he will return, and Derrick Davis, a Gateway graduate who transferred from LSU this year, and freshman Montravius Lloyd remain on the roster.

Others to enter the portal are long snapper Byron Floyd, wide receiver Addison Copeland and offensive lineman Trey Andersen.