Pitt Panthers Quarterback Julian Dugger Announces Transfer Destination
Dugger will suit up for the Washington State Cougars next season. After appearing in only one game for Pitt last year, Dugger was eligible for a redshirt as a freshman and will have four years of eligibility remaining for Washington State.
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As a freshman, Dugger completed 7 of 13 passes for 72 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception with Pitt last year. He also rushed for 88 yards and a score.
Pitt Panthers quarterback Julian Dugger (12) throws a pass against the Toledo Rockets. Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Dugger's lone game appearance came during the Panthers loss to Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. He was dynamic in nearly carrying Pitt to a comeback win in the 48-46 defeat in six overtimes.
A 6'3" and 210-Lb. left-handed quarterback, Dugger was an explosive dual-threat for Penn Hills High School in western Pennsylvania before attending Pitt. With the Panthers committed to now-sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein, Dugger announced his plans to transfer shortly into the offseason.
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Dugger was the second transfer quarterback signed by Washington State in the last week. The Cougars also added former Rutgers quarterback Ajani Sheppard. They'll be two of six quarterbacks on the Washington State roster this fall.
Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein (10) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Credit:
Senior Zevi Eckhaus is the Washington State frontrunner at quarterback. Sophomore Jaxon Potter is the favorite for the backup job. However, they'll both face competition from Dugger, Sheppard, and incoming freshmen Dalton Anderson and Owen Eshelman.
Julian Dugger leaves a Pitt Panthers team that started the 2024-25 season by winning their first seven games but lost their last six contests of the year. After his performance in Pitt's bowl game, most expected that Panthers offensive coordinator Kade Bell would find a role for Dugger.
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This offseason, Pitt brought in Oklahoma transfer quarterback Cole Gonzales to back up Eli Holstein. Gonzales had previously played for Kade Bell when both were at Western Carolina.
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