Braylan Lovelace took a serious step up during his sophomore season at Pitt, and he’s going to take the next step in Pittsburgh, too.
Lovelace — a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker from Leechburg, Pa. — announced on Instagram that he is returning to Pittsburgh for the 2025 season, his third season with the team. It’s a major move for the Pitt defense, one that shores up the linebacking corps.
Pitt has now secured its entire (projected) starting linebacking for the 2025 season.
Lovelace originally committed to Pitt as a three-star athlete in the class of 2023, a late riser who pledged himself to the Panthers just before his senior season. He enrolled early and hasn’t looked back as his role in the defense has increased each season.
He jumped from 160 defensive snaps as a true freshman to 447 this season, starting four games alongside his fellow Sharks. And there’s a good chance he’s due for a major breakout in 2025.
He’s played largely as an outside linebacker in the system so far, but there’s an expectation that he will move inside next season and serve the key role of Mike linebacker — flanked by Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles.
Lovelace recorded 53 tackles (23 solo), 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, an interception returned for a touchdown and a pass breakup this season, functioning as a fourth starter in the linebacking corps. It was a very encouraging step forward.
Pitt is in very good shape at linebacker next season as Lovelace, Louis and Biles are all slated to return. And while Brandon George and Keye Thompson have exhausted their eligibility, there are young linebackers waiting in the wings.
Jeremiah Marcelin, Cam Lindsey and Davin Brewton will also feature into the mix next season.
