Panthers Place Two on Preseason AP All-America First Team
8/18/2025 1:15:00 PM | Football
Louis and Reid earn national recognition as Pitt continues its tradition of All-America excellence
PITTSBURGH — Redshirt junior linebacker Kyle Louis and senior running back Desmond Reid have each earned spots on the preseason Associated Press All-America First Team, announced today.
This prestigious distinction solidifies the Panthers' national reputation, placing Pitt alongside the country's elite. Texas (No. 1) and Penn State (No. 2) led all programs with three selections apiece, while Pitt joined Ohio State (No. 3), Clemson (No. 4), Notre Dame (No. 6), and Alabama (No. 8) as schools boasting multiple preseason All-America honorees.
Pitt's Honorees
Kyle Louis (Linebacker): Arguably the nation's most dynamic defensive player, Louis returns to national prominence after a stellar 2024 season, in which he recorded 101 tackles, along with team highs of 15.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and four interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. His preseason recognition by the AP adds to an already decorated résumé that includes First Team All-America honors last season and watch list nods for the Bronko Nagurski, Butkus, and Walter Camp awards.
Desmond Reid (All-Purpose): Known nationally for his versatility, Reid continues to draw attention as one of the country's most complete playmakers. In addition to his AP preseason nod, he previously earned all-purpose honors from The Sporting News and was selected to the Preseason All-ACC First Team as both an all-purpose contributor and return specialist.
Program Legacy
The honor comes during a landmark year for the Associated Press, which is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its All-America teams dating back to 1925. Earlier this month, Pitt tied Ohio State for the most selections (three each) on the AP All-Time All-America First Team, honoring the greatest performers in college football history. The Panthers' representation included Larry Fitzgerald, Bill Fralic, and Hugh Green, while Tony Dorsett, Pitt's all-time rushing leader and 1976 Heisman Trophy winner, earned a spot on the All-Time Second Team.
2025 Preseason AP All-America First Team
Offense
- Quarterback — Cade Klubnik, Clemson
- Running backs — Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame; Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
- Tackles — Spencer Fano, Utah; Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
- Guards — Olaivavega Loane, Penn State; Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
- Center — Jake Slaughter, Florida
- Tight end — Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
- Wide receivers — Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State; Ryan Williams, Alabama; Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
- All-purpose player — Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh
- Kicker — Dominic Zvada, Michigan
Defense
- Edge — Dylan Stewart, South Carolina; Colin Simmons, Texas
- Tackles — Peter Woods, Clemson; Zane Durant, Penn State
- Linebackers — Anthony Hill Jr., Texas; West Weeks, LSU; Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
- Cornerbacks — Leonard Moore, Notre Dame; Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
- Safeties — Caleb Downs, Ohio State; Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
- Defensive back — Michael Taaffe, Texas
- Punter — Brett Thorson, Georgia
