University of Pittsburgh 2025–26 Season Preview

Tagged under: District 7, Pennsylvania Colleges, pfn

Ryan Thielet | August 12, 2025

To say last year’s Pitt Football season was a rollercoaster of emotions is an understatement. Through the first seven games, Pitt looked like the team that took over the ACC during the 2021–22 season with Kenny Pickett. The offense was clicking, the defense held strong, and the Panthers seemed poised for a major bowl game. But everything shifted after a disappointing loss to SMU. That game marked the beginning of a collapse that saw Pitt lose its final six games. Key injuries—most notably to standout freshman quarterback Eli Holstein—took their toll. The Panthers finished the year at a frustrating 7–6, capped off by another bowl game loss, this time to Toledo.

Offense Overview:

Despite the rocky finish, Pitt’s offense took a major step forward under new offensive coordinator Kade Bell. The Panthers scored 428 points last season, ranking 34th nationally. They also totaled 5,313 yards of offense (45th), which included 3,450 passing yards (26th) and 1,843 rushing yards (34th).

These numbers marked a significant improvement over the previous year, when the team ranked 119th in total yards with just 3,815. That included 2,592 passing yards (88th), 1,223 rushing yards (112th), and a mere 242 points scored (117th). Coach Bell’s impact was obvious.

Now, let’s break down this year’s Pitt offense.

At the helm is redshirt sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein, entering what fans hope will be his first full season as the starter. Last year, Holstein appeared in 11 games but was forced to leave too early due to injuries. In Pitt’s first seven games—during their undefeated run—Holstein looked like a rising star, throwing for 1,805 yards on 138 completions in 215 attempts, good for a 64% completion rate, with 17 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions.

However, after the team’s first loss, things took a downturn. In his final three full games played, Holstein went 42 for 76 (a 55% completion rate) with 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He left the Virginia game with a concussion and later exited the Louisville matchup with a leg injury, cutting his promising season short.

Holstein isn’t the only key returning piece. All-American running back Desmond Reid also returns after turning down lucrative NIL offers from other programs to stay at Pitt—citing his belief in Coach Kade Bell as a major reason for his loyalty. Reid finished last season with 962 rushing yards on 183 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt, and scored 5 touchdowns. His longest run of the season was a blistering 94-yard touchdown, showcasing his game-breaking ability.

The wide receiver room has a lot to prove this year. Kenny Johnson, now a junior, is expected to step into the WR1 role. He’ll be backed by Censere Lee and Raphael “Papi” Williams Jr., forming a trio of experienced upperclassmen ready to make an impact. With more chemistry and reps under their belt, this group could become a serious threat in the ACC.

Defense overview

Last season, Pitt’s defense was a massive improvement over the previous year, anchored by All-American linebacker Kyle Louis—whose “Sharks” nickname has become synonymous with his squad’s relentless style. In 2024, Louis racked up 101 total tackles, including 15.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 4 interceptions, one of which he returned 59 yards for a touchdown

This year’s defense appears poised to be just as dominant—or even better—as Louis teams up again with stand-out linebacker Rasheem Biles, who added 82 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown in 2024

The only area of concern is the secondary, which lost several key contributors in the back half of the defense. Their ability to step up and fill those gaps will be critical for maintaining—or surpassing—the unit’s success.

Upcoming season review:

Pitt is poised to have a stronger season than last year, with optimism building that the Panthers could make a serious run at the ACC Championship. Under the new 12-team College Football Playoff format, an ACC title would earn them a coveted first-round bye. Oddsmakers have set Pitt’s preseason over/under at just 7 wins—a number that feels far too low. Realistically, this team has the talent to push for 10 wins, with their toughest challenges likely coming against Notre Dame and NC State. Pitt fans, buckle up—this season promises to be an eventful ride.

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