The prospect of losing Shawn Lee, when the true freshman cornerback entered the transfer portal Jan. 1, was doubtless disappointing for Pitt.
However, encapsulating the fluidity and unpredictable nature of all things pertaining to the portal these days, Lee has reversed course.
On Monday afternoon, he posted to Instagram that he was “locked in” to returning to Pitt in 2026, making him the first player from the 2025 squad to make such an announcement for the upcoming campaign.
Notable for Lee over the last several days is that he was never removed from the Panthers’ active roster, usually the tell-tale sign of a player or staff departure.
Instead, Pitt is set to return the services of a promising young player who appeared in 12 games last season, recording 29 tackles (3.5 for loss), an interception and four pass breakups.
Lee’s pick came against Stanford on Nov. 1, and he returned it 30 yards for a touchdown.
For his efforts, he was an honorable mention All-ACC selection.
With Panthers senior cornerbacks Tamon Lynum and Rashad Battle declaring for the NFL Draft, Lee will be a favorite to earn a starting gig heading into 2026.