A look at Pitt's biggest positional need for 2016 and how the Panthers are addressing it in recruiting:

Biggest need: Pittsburgh completed 212 passes this past season, and Tyler Boyd caught close to half of them.

Boyd's leaving early for the NFL draft and taking his 91 receptions with him, leaving a gaping hole at receiver and tight end for the Panthers. Senior tight end J.P. Holtz is graduating, too, and Holtz finished third on the team in receptions.

Dontez Ford leads the Panthers in receptions among players returning, and he finished 2015 with 26 catches for 505 yards and two touchdowns.

With ACC offensive rookie of the year Qadree Ollison returning at running back and potentially former ACC player of the year James Conner returning as well, the Panthers have a power rushing attack that few programs will be able to match. They will need the passing game to take advantage of a defense keyed in on the run when those opportunities arise, though.

The Panthers are also bringing in a new offensive coordinator, so it's hard to predict what their aerial attack will produce next season. -- Jared Shanker

Recruiting scoop: The Panthers staff is addressing the need at receiver in a big way in 2016. Three-star Ruben Flowers turned down SEC and Big 10 offers in selecting Pittsburgh, and brings 6-foot-4 size plus above-average quickness for his size that needs to develop as a route runner. The instant impact receiver in the class, however, will be junior college transfer Juwann Winfree. The former Maryland receiver will head to Pitt with Power 5 experience and success -- and a college-ready body. The Panthers would like to add to the haul and are looking to flip ESPN 300 and South Florida commit Darnell Salomon. -- Gerry Hamilton