Pat Narduzzi touts ACC as better conference than Big Ten
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Big Ten teams have won the last 3 national championships. Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi, however, believes the ACC is the better conference.
Narduzzi made his comments during an interview with Atlanta radio station 680 The Fan at this week’s ACC Media Days.
“This conference is as good as any conference in the country,” Narduzzi said. “I don’t care what you make and all that. I don’t care about how many resources you have and all that baloney. Talk about different conferences and what they make… Coming from Michigan State, spent eight seasons there. Coming to Pitt in 2015, I said it then, I said it now. After about two years in the league, this conference is better — it’s better than the Big Ten. It’s got more skill… I’ve said that for years, and I’m going to stick to my guns.”
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi isn't backing down.
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) July 17, 2026
"This conference is better. It's better than the Big Ten." @JohnMichaelsU @Pitt_FB pic.twitter.com/B6CHlgRcv2
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It’s a bold claim coming from Narduzzi, whose Pitt Panthers have not fared well against Big Ten teams. Under Naraduzzi, Pitt is 1-6 against B1G teams, including a 1-4 record in the regular season and 0-2 in bowl games.
Unfortunately, Pitt’s nonconference schedule for 2026 does not include a Big Ten opponent. If the Panthers make a bowl game and draw a B1G foe, Narduzzi’s comments are sure to be brought up.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
