Pitt Makes Top Five List for 2026 Wide Receiver with Elite Speed

Pitt football’s recruitment of Texas continues to make strong impressions on prospects there as another Lone Star State talent has the Panthers as a top choice.

Ace Theus — a 5-foot-9, 170-pound speedy wide receiver out of Duncanville High School — released a list of his top five schools and Pitt made the cut, along with TCU, Utah, Arizona and Oregon State.

BREAKING: 3⭐️ WR Ace Theus has announced his Top 5 schools!

Theus, a 5’9”, 170-pound WR from Duncanville, TX, is currently ranked among the top 80 receivers in the 2026 class. A true speed threat, Theus has verified times of 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 10.65 seconds in… pic.twitter.com/lajCZZ4v3D

— Parker Titus (@ptgraphics0) April 28, 2025

Pitt football recruiting coverage sponsored by

RM LAW, P.C. is a boutique litigation law firm with a national practice dedicated to protecting shareholders’ interests and promoting improved corporate governance practices.

The three-star recruit and 77th receiver in the class, according to 247Sports, cut out other top offers from his recruitment in Baylor, Oklahoma State, Auburn, Colorado, Maryland, Nebraska, Purdue, Arizona State, Memphis and UNLV.

Pitt appears to be in a strong position with Theus, who explained to Pittsburgh Sports Now why that is the case.

“It’s a great program with great coaches, players, and environment,” he said. “From the coaches to the players, it’s a family and a brotherhood. It’s definitely a special place to be and the coaches make me feel confident that I will be used in the right way, and I can also see myself flourishing in their program.”

Theus was recently in Pittsburgh for a spring visit on March 29 and “loved” the overall experience as he furthered his relationship with the coaching staff. Pitt seemingly moved up that day within his recruitment. He has since set up an official visit for June 12-14, he confirmed with PSN.

Thank you @Pitt_FB for the experience! I enjoyed the spring game and loved the campus! Will be visiting again in June! #H2P 🟡🔵@CoachDuzzPittFB @Kb1Raw @coachjbronowski @CoachJjLaster pic.twitter.com/21dpLH8ttN

— Ace “Boogie” Theus (@Ace2smooth_) March 29, 2025

Those connections began in January when tight ends coach Jacob Bronowski took some time for an in-home visit. A week later, Theus picked up an official offer from the Panthers. Currently, Bronowski is back in Texas and it will be interesting to see if he pays yet another visit to Theus and his family.

Theus has true game-breaking speed and, according to his X account, he runs a 4.34 40-yard dash.

That speed shows in a variety of ways on the field as he can take the top off of defenses in a dead sprint, but is also a factor in the jet sweep game and is a threat to pick up yards after the catch on quick passes. He also has shown his contested catch ability.

As a junior, Theus totaled 53 receptions for 1,081 yards and 13 touchdowns.