University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Censere Lee Named to Comeback Player of the Year Watch List
8/20/2026 3:55:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Redshirt senior wide receiver Censere Lee has been named to the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year Award preseason watch list, College Sports Communicators announced Thursday in association with The Associated Press and Fiesta Sports Foundation.
Lee is one of 94 student-athletes from 59 schools selected for the watch list, which recognizes college football players who have overcome injury, illness or other challenging circumstances.
The Clearwater, Fla., native is preparing for his third season with the Panthers after injuries curtailed each of his first two campaigns at Pitt.
Lee made an immediate impact following his transfer from Western Carolina in January 2024. He played in 10 games that season, recording 19 receptions for 254 yards and three touchdowns before sustaining a season-ending injury against Clemson.
His debut Pitt campaign included a career-long 82-yard touchdown reception against Youngstown State, the Panthers' longest pass completion of the season. Lee finished that game with four catches for 108 yards and also produced a season-high six receptions for 72 yards in the opener against Kent State.
Lee continued working through the injury during the 2025 season, appearing in four games and totaling five receptions for 86 yards. He received a redshirt for the campaign and returns in 2026 as an experienced playmaker in Pitt's receiving corps.
Prior to joining the Panthers, Lee compiled 82 receptions for 1,426 yards and 14 touchdowns over two seasons at Western Carolina. He earned All-Southern Conference recognition from Phil Steele in 2023 after catching 46 passes for 792 yards and eight touchdowns.
Established in 2018, the Comeback Player of the Year Award honors student-athletes who have demonstrated perseverance in returning to the field. At the conclusion of the season, a panel of college football writers, editors and sports information directors will select three winners to be recognized at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
