Pittsburgh lands transfer commitment from former Nebraska edge rusher Chief Borders

Former Nebraska edge rusher Chief Borders will transfer to play for Pittsburgh in 2024. It will be his second transfer in as many seasons after he spent the first two years of his college career at Florida.

Borders appeared in 12 games for the Cornhuskers this past season to finish with nine tackles and one pass defended. It marked a career high for him in tackle after he totaled just three over his two seasons with the Gators.

“What made Pitt right for me is that it’s a business decision for me,” Borders told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “The plan to win on defense for me will mold around my strong suits. Getting after the quarterback and stopping the run in a relentless poised way. Another reason is (secondary coach) Archie Collins. The relationship me and him have is inevitable. He never stopped calling and he always kept it real with me throughout this whole process.”

As a recruit, Borders was a three-star prospect coming out of Heard County High School in Chicago. He ranked as the No. 460 overall player and No. 47 edge rusher in the 2021 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Chief Borders is the only player listed as an edge rusher to enter the transfer portal for Nebraska. However, the Cornhuskers have also seen defensive lineman Ru’Quan Buckley and linebackers Randolph Kpai and Eric Fields enter as well.

Overall, Nebraska has lost 10 players to the transfer portal while adding seven. That ranks it as the No. 41 overall team and No. 12 in the Big Ten according to On3’s Transfer Portal Team Rankings.

Borders also cited his relationship with Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi and defensive line coach Tim Daoust as a major reason for his commitment to Pittsburgh. He set his goals high for his next stop, even going as far as to say winning the Heisman Trophy is on that list.

“Narduzzi called everyday and coach Daoust is a coach that I can go to war for on the field,” Borders said. “The Heisman is a trophy I’ve been dreaming about in all of my football years. I believe they can give me the best shot in making it a reality.”

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.