​Pittsburgh — The Pitt football program announced that 10 of its student-athletes earned spots on the 2026 Athlon Sports preseason All-ACC teams, with the highlight being first-team linebacker Braylan Lovelace. Lovelace is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top linebackers entering the 2026 season, and Athlon Sports recognized him on the conference’s first-team defense.
Pitt’s presence on the preseason lists extends beyond Lovelace, as the Panthers placed four players on the second team. On offense, running back Ja’Kyrian Turner and offensive tackle Ryan Baer earned second-team honors, underscoring Pitt’s bolstered backfield and line play ahead of the 2026 campaign. On the defensive side, defensive lineman Sean FitzSimmons and defensive back Cruce Brookins were named to the second-team defense, highlighting Pitt’s strength at both front and secondary positions.
In addition to the second-team accolades, Pitt landed several players on the third-team offense and defense. Offensive lineman BJ Williams was recognized on the third-team offense, reflecting his ongoing contribution to Pitt’s protecting unit and run game. On the defensive side, linemen Nick James and Jimmy Scott, along with cornerback Shawn Lee Jr., earned third-team defense honors, illustrating Pitt’s continued competitiveness across the front seven and in the secondary.
Completing Pitt’s preseason recognition, wide receiver Cataurus Hicks was selected as a fourth-team offensive honoree, signaling the Panthers’ depth and evolving talent at receiver heading into the new year. Hicks’ inclusion on the fourth team adds to Pitt’s overall representation on Athlon Sports’ preseason All-ACC roster, further highlighting the program’s multi-faceted offensive weapons and playmaking potential.
This comprehensive preseason recognition from Athlon Sports serves as a valuable indicator of Pitt’s expectations for 2026. Lovelace’s status as a first-team defender spotlights his leadership and impact at the heart of the Panthers’ defense, while the breadth of Pitt’s honors across offense, defense, and special teams underscores the team’s depth and versatility. The collection of second- and third-team selections reflects a balanced roster with contributors across multiple positions, suggesting that Pitt aims to build a cohesive unit capable of competing for ACC prominence in 2026.
Looking ahead, Pitt fans and supporters can anticipate a season where Lovelace anchors a dynamic linebacker corps, Turner adds explosiveness and reliability in the backfield, and Baer anchors an improved offensive line. The defensive front, reinforced by FitzSimmons and James among others, paired with Brookins and Lee Jr. in the secondary, is expected to provide sturdy run defense and pass disruption. Meanwhile, Hicks offers a trusted target for the quarterback and an added dimension in Pitt’s aerial attack. As Athlon Sports’ preseason selections indicate, Pitt’s 2026 roster features a mix of veteran leadership and emerging playmakers who could propel the Panthers toward a competitive standing in the ACC.
Fans should monitor how these preseason accolades translate into on-field performance as Pitt opens the 2026 season. The recognition from Athlon Sports not only acknowledges the individual talents of these Panthers but also signals the coaching staff’s confidence in their ability to execute at a high level. With Lovelace leading the defense and a capable supporting cast across offense and defense, Pitt aims to maximize its strengths and push for conference success in the upcoming season.