For years, Pat Narduzzi’s stubborn approach to the transfer portal has been one of college football’s biggest coaching talking points. But now, the University of Pittsburgh head coach is dealing with something far more damaging.

Trouble erupted late Saturday as former Pitt wide receiver Raphael “Poppi” Williams Jr. publicly called out head coach Pat Narduzzi, accusing him of trying to sabotage his NFL Draft chances. Williams Jr. took to his X handle to share a screenshot of a pre-draft scouting report that he said originated from his former program, where he was painted in a very bad light.

The scouting report described him as someone with “below average personal character,” “super c***y and feels entitled,” and a “j*rk.” The report further alleged that his attitude was disrespectful towards the team’s female staff members.

Williams pushed back on these accusations, expressing that he has always been respectful toward everyone on his team and that his coach tarnished his image in front of NFL teams ahead of the draft.

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“I’ve been debating about posting this for months, but it’s been on my heart. It hurts me to know that my own school/COACH tarnished my character and told nothing but lies to NFL teams. I was sent this screenshot of my coach talking about me,” wrote Williams Jr. on his X handle.

However, back in April, the head coach had posted on X, praising Williams Jr. and assuring that whichever team he joined would be blessed to have him. The narrative has now completely changed.

Defending his case, Williams Jr. emphasized that he has always been respectful toward everyone and maintained that his teammates and coaches can vouch for him, stating that he has always been a good teammate.

“I’ve never had that; you can ask my teammates, coaches, and more. I brought energy and light into this community. I need answers. And have receipts. Crazy to think it’s hard to say one good thing about a kid who started two years at a program,” wrote Williams Jr.

Williams Jr. went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and is currently a free agent. He initially had a tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers during rookie minicamp in May 2026, but it did not result in a contract offer. He now appears unlikely to play in the 2026 season.

Williams’ X post certainly took off after another former Pittsburgh Panthers veteran, safety Paris Ford, shared Williams’ X post on his Instagram Story with a caption that read:

“I genuinely feel for you, 5IVE. @coachduzzpittfb did the same thing to me on Jesus. I worked hard my whole life, and he badmouthed my character.”

Being accused once might be a misunderstanding, but being accused twice by different players suggests there might be more to the story. While the head coach has yet to respond to these accusations, it must be noted that he has also been called out by his players in the past.

Pat Narduzzi’s tensions with players are becoming hard to ignore

Raphael “Poppi” Williams Jr. and Paris Ford’s allegations add a new chapter to the story of Pat Narduzzi’s increasingly strained relationship with his players. Back in 2020, former Panthers linebacker Elias Reynolds took to X to assert that Narduzzi often referred to his players and opponents as “thugs.”

According to Reynolds, the coach would reportedly berate players over hoodies under travel jumpsuits or backward hats, while allegedly branding Pitt opponents “thu-s” whenever he disliked their playing style. What made matters worse was the fact that former Panthers wide receiver Darian Street and offensive lineman Justin Morgan backed Reynolds’ claims by sharing their own stories.

Something similar happened back in 2023 as well. Following the Panthers’ 58-7 loss to Notre Dame, Narduzzi took responsibility for the defeat, saying it was on him that the team had lost so badly, while asserting that his players had done their best.

Narduzzi’s remarks quickly drew skepticism from his own players. After the quote surfaced on social media, safety Javon McIntyre reposted it with the caption “huh,” along with a thinking emoji. At the same time, Rodney Hammond Jr. shared it with a question mark and “crazy world.”

Adding to the concern, Pittsburgh has struggled to keep some of its top talent from bolting for bigger programs. The Athletic handed the Panthers a “D” for their transfer portal work, and while former players have praised the program’s support, things don’t appear that simple right now.