Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Rushel Shell leaving Pitt, according to multiple reports

The Pittsburgh Panthers are losing their top freshman from their latest recruiting class.

After several days of speculation, Pitt running back Rushel Shell has officially departed the program. Chris Peak of Rivals and Gregg Giannotti of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh reported that Shell mulled his decision for a few days, then filed his papers and is ready to move on.

Pitt is expected to release a statement Tuesday. Shell’s potential decision to leave had been hovering over the program for the past week. Pitt head coach Paul Chryst hinted in a recent statement that Shell had been dealing with personal issues and that the program was totally supportive of whatever Shell decided to do.

Shell was considered a 2012 consensus top-10 running back prospect and the jewel of Pitt’s recruiting class. He was recruited by prior head coach Todd Graham, who left the Panthers to take over the coaching vacancy at Arizona State. Shell was an immediate contributor in his first season, averaging 4.55 yards per rush, gaining 641 yards and rushing for four touchdowns while also catching nine receptions for 103 yards.

More from SB Nation:

Exclusive with Tommy Tuberville

SB Nation reports Sun Belt expansion

SB Nation’s Garnet & Black Attack interviews Marcus Lattimore

SB Nation’s Maize n Brew interviews Denard Robinson

College football’s most penalized teams and flag-happy refs

What if March Madness had football ... | ... Or football had Madness

College Football
The NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their sideThe NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their side
College Football

A big can of worms has been opened in college sports

By Mark Schofield
College Football
Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’
College Football

Mascot game! Tush push!

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?
NFL

Brendan Sorsby calls out NCAA hypocrisy as his football future is uncertain

By Mark Schofield
College Football
NAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered statesNAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered states
College Football

The NAACP is asking athletes to take up the fight for voting rights.

By James Dator
College Football
Oregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes senseOregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes sense
College Football

Oregon coaches have a strange question for potential recruits.

By Mark Schofield
NFL
Why Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RBWhy Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RB
NFL

The Notre Dame star is the rare running back worth a top-10 or even top-5 pick.

By Mark Schofield