Not really sure, but whenever I find pawpaw trees in the wild, they are usually under canopy trees that provide shade. Perhaps get some thin shade cloth to pin above it? That might help the little fellow.
Based on some quick online reading, it seems like this is a common issue. Where people plant them in direct sunlight since the grown versions have no problem with that, but the saplings need at least some shade to survive.
I concur. I only ever see pawpaws under canopy, except for the ones I know are human planted.
Also, OP, I’m hoping you planted 2, or live close enough to others to get pollination.
What kind of soil are these planted in? It looks like potentially an over/under watering issue. I’d you just transplant them into the ground?
The ground is a mixture of compost and yard dirt, the yard dirt is better than most as I’ve spent the past 5 years aerating and covering it in compost and growing clover.
It was planted into that then I mulched over top.
They were planted halfway through April (late, I know)
There is a serviceberry tree nearby in the same conditions doing alright, and a couple blueberry bushes thriving in generally the same conditions (though the blueberry bushes are unkillable)