2 Pitt Panthers Named Sporting News Preseason 1st Team All-American

Any chance that Pitt has of having a successful will hinge largely on the performances of star running back Desmond Reid and linebacker Kyle Louis.

If that holds true, Pitt could be in pretty good shape because the duo of Reid and Louis continue to get tons of national notoriety.

After making various national college football preseason watch lists for best players at their positions, those two Panthers were named to another big list.

On Wednesday, The Sporting News placed Louis and Reid on their 2025 Preseason All-American First Team.

Last season, Louis was named a First Team All-American, the 100th in the history of Pitt football and the first sophomore to receive that prestigious honor since the great Hugh Green in 1978.

In 2024, Louis led the Pitt defense in tackles for loss (15.5), sacks (7), interceptions (4) and recorded 101 tackles.

Along with today’s news, Louis has also been named to watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, and the Walter Camp Player of the Year.

Pitt Panthers Linebacker Kyle Louis (9) August 31, 2024 Photo by David Hague/PSN

Reid made The Sporting News list as an All-Purpose Player. Earlier this summer, the dynamic back earned Preseason First Team All-ACC honors as both an all-purpose player and kickoff returner.

The senior back led Pitt in 2024 with 966 rushing yards, collected 579 receiving yards and 159 yards as a punt returner, which led the Panthers. In total, Reid averaged a nation-leading 154.9 all-purpose yards per game.

Prior to this, Reid made the watch lists for the Doak Walker Award (nation’s top running back) and the Maxwell Award (best overall player).

Louis, Reid and the Pitt Panthers will open the 2025 season on August 30th when they host Duquesne at Acrisure Stadium.