Pennsylvania players shine in Pitt’s domination over NC State
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Annabelle Aquino | October 25, 2025
The Pitt Panthers earned their first win over the traveling NC State Wolfpack since 2001, extending their winning streak to four. Guided by Pennsylvania players Kenny Johnson, Braylan Lovelace, Javon McIntyre and Cameron Lindsey, the Panthers cruised through Week 9, defeating the Wolfpack 53-34.
As the Wolfpack (4-4, 1-3) struggled to keep up with the Panthers, Pennsylvania players from Pitt (6-2, 4-1) dominated on the line and receiving.
Johnson, a wide receiver from York, PA, totaled 112 receiving yards and one touchdown. Johnson was crucial for keeping the Panthers up before halftime, catching a 10-yard touchdown pass with only 12 seconds left in the second quarter.
Pitt’s Juelz Goff rushes against NC State’s defense during the fourth quarter on Oct. 25.
“Kenny is a great example of trusting the system, and trusting what he does, the work he puts in week in and week out,” said true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel. “Even going through a quarterback change, these guys have been nothing but supportive of the offense, and they work their tails off.”
Pushing Pitt to a 10-point lead, Johnson helped the Panthers lead 31-21 coming out of the halftime locker room.
PA players also held strong on Pitt’s defense; Lovelace, McIntyre and Lindsey led the team in tackles.
Lovelace, a linebacker from Leechburg, PA, tackled NC State quarterback CJ Bailey on fourth down. This ended NC State’s momentum in the third quarter and allowed Pitt to maintain its 43-21 lead.
Pitt’s Braylan Lovelace tackles NC State’s CJ Bailey on fourth down. Lovelace recorded five tackles during Pitt’s 53-34 victory over the Wolfpack on Oct. 25.
Coming from Imhotep Charter in Philadelphia, McIntyre also contributed heavily to the Panthers’ defense. He recorded five tackles, including one on third down forcing the Wolfpack to punt.
Aliquippa’s Lindsey also recorded four tackles for the Panthers. Joining him on the starting linebacker group was fellow WPIAL player, Abe Ibrahim from Chartiers Valley.
The Panthers look to extend their four-game win streak next week at Stanford. NC State will battle for a win at home against Georgia Tech.
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