Pittsburgh Panthers Celebrate Nine Selections on Preseason All-ACC Team

The Pittsburgh Panthers have made a strong impression ahead of the 2026 season by placing nine student-athletes on Phil Steele's Preseason All-ACC Team. Highlighting this achievement is senior linebacker Braylan Lovelace, who earned First Team honors. Lovelace, a native of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, is recognized as one of the premier linebackers in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) after a standout 2025 season. He led the Panthers with 80 tackles and made significant contributions with 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. His performance included a remarkable 100-yard interception return for a touchdown against No. 16 Georgia Tech, marking the longest pick-six by a Panther since 1908. Joining Lovelace on the All-ACC list are several other key players, including Nick James on the Second Team and Ryan Baer, Cruce Brookins, and BJ Williams on the Third Team. The Fourth Team features Mason Heintschel, Isaiah Neal, Alex Sanford Jr., and Ja'Kyrian Turner. As the Pittsburgh Panthers gear up for the upcoming season, they will host seven home games, and fans can now purchase season tickets and single-game tickets through the Panthers' official website.