Pittsburgh has informed USC transfer Kedon Slovis that he will be the starting quarterback, the team announced Wednesday.

Slovis beat out redshirt senior Nick Patti for the job. Slovis will replace Kenny Pickett, who led Pitt to the ACC title and emerged as a first-round pick last season.

Head coach Pat Narduzzi praised both Patti and Kedon before declaring Slovis “the guy.”

“We’ve got confidence in both of them,” Narduzzi said. “Unfortunately, the quarterback position is one guy, it becomes a one-man show.

“He’s [Slovis] a really, really good passer. We think he can lead us.”

Slovis, an Arizona native, comes across the country with a strong reputation. He made 26 starts in three seasons at USC, throwing for 7,576 yards and 58 touchdowns.

“I love playing in big games,” Slovis said. “I think every player loves playing in big games. You know, from your high school rival to college, I think everyone’s favorite games are rivalry games. So yeah, you know, obviously you feel prepared, but more so I just feel excited.”

Slovis’ debut will coincide with the debut of new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr., who comes from Boston College and has a wealth of experience in the NFL.

With two years of eligibility remaining and the entire starting offensive line from 2021 returning, Slovis is confident heading into the season

“You’ve got to remind yourself, you know, just do what Coach wants you to do, be coachable, run the offense, execute,” he said. “And again, things will kind of take care of itself.”

Slovis will start the opening game against West Virginia, which is schedule for Sept. 1 on ESPN. It sets the stage for a potential matchup with one of his old teammates. West Virginia is expected to start former USC quarterback JT Daniels in the Thursday night opener next week, although no formal announcement has been made.

The game will the be the first rivalry game between those historic rivals since 2011.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.