Matt Goncalves

Early life

Goncalves grew up in Manorville, New York, where he attended Eastport-South Manor High School.

Just two games into his 2017 junior season, he suffered a season-ending knee injury. "The injury was devastating, worst thing in my life," Goncalves recalled. "I gained some weight and hit the weight room to get stronger. And the hard work paid off."

After rehabbing his injury, Goncalves returned to form, emerging as a top player, regarded as both a "road grader"-type run-blocker from the left tackle position but also demonstrating pass blocking skill as part of a line that did not give up a single sack in the final six games of his senior year. He was named a first-team All-Long Island selection for 2018.

Goncalves played both offensively and defensively in high school was regarded the consensus top offensive line prospect in New York state, committing to play college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers.

College career

Goncalves redshirted as a true freshman in 2019 at Pittsburgh. He played nine games, three as a starter, in 2020, performing well enough to earn honors as a Freshman All-American.

He played 13 games with five starts in 2021. He started all 13 games in 2022, five at left tackle and eight at right tackle. Entering the 2023 season, Goncalves was the only Pittsburgh player on the preseason All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team.

Three games into his senior year, he suffered a season-ending lower body injury, effectively ending his college career.