University of Pittsburgh Athletics
11/3/2026 2:00:00 PM | Football, General, Wrestling
PITTSBURGH – A pair of rookies earned the nod as the PNC Achievers of the Week. Football's Damon Ferguson Jr. and wrestling's Santino Sloboda both put together outstanding performances to earn the honor.
Sloboda had a strong collegiate debut, going 3-1 and capturing the 125-pound Pool A title at the Navy Classic Sunday. Sloboda recorded two major decision victories, including a 19-7 win over No. 15 Koda Holeman of Cal Poly.
Running back Ferguson willed the Panthers to a win with 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Pitt's bowl-clinching 34-11 victory over Georgia Tech. Ferguson led all ACC players and all FBS freshmen with his career-high 185 rushing yards. The Gwynn Oak, Md., native established career highs with 185 yards, 31 carries and two rushing touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. He added an 11-yard reception to finish with a game-high 196 all-purpose yards. Through nine games this season, Ferguson is the Panthers' leader in rushing yards (662) and rushing touchdowns (6).
