Pitt In Select Company with Winning Seasons Across Five Men's Programs
6/6/2025 2:09:00 PM | General
PITTSBURGH – In a year marked by resilience, excellence, and collective pride, Pitt Athletics stood out amongst its peers in the national college landscape. Pitt was one of only three NCAA Division I institutions—alongside Indiana and Michigan—to boast winning records in football, men's basketball, men's soccer, wrestling, and baseball in the 2024-25 season.
This rare feat underscores the latest chapter for Pitt's men's programs, where consistency and clutch performances defined the year.
Men's Soccer: Elite Among the Elite
Under head coach Jay Vidovich, Pitt men's soccer proved once again it belongs among the nation's elite. The Panthers earned the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament and were the only team in the country with six or more Quad 1 regular-season wins. Even more impressive—they went 5-0 against ranked opponents, outscoring them 11-2.
Defender Casper Svendby became the program's third All-American and joined a haul of eight Panthers earning All-ACC honors. Vidovich was named ACC Coach of the Year, and Pitt's blend of international talent and tactical discipline made them one of the toughest teams in the nation to face.
Wrestling: Power on the Mat
Head coach Keith Gavin's squad continued its ascent, spending the entire season in the NWCA Top 25 and notching four victories over ranked opponents. Pitt finished second at the ACC Championships—their best result since joining the conference—powered by three individual champions: Reece Heller (184), Mac Stout (197), and Dayton Pitzer (285).
The Panthers sent eight qualifiers to the NCAA Championships, the program's highest total in over a decade. Stout capped a stellar season with a seventh-place national finish, becoming Pitt's 85th All-American.
Football: Explosive Start, Defensive Grit
The Panthers opened the 2024 campaign with a 7-0 run—their best start since 1982—and reached the postseason for the 38th time in program history and seventh under head coach Pat Narduzzi.
Pitt's identity was built on disruptive defense and balanced offensive contributions. The Panthers ranked third nationally in sacks and fourth in tackles for loss during the regular season, while also placing fifth nationally in defensive touchdowns and third in pick-sixes, both leading the ACC.
Offensively, Pitt's aerial attack was among the nation's best, ranking 15th in passing yards per game and third in the ACC. A staggering 19 different Panthers found the end zone—second-most in program history and third-most nationally—showcasing depth, creativity, and cohesion across the roster.
Desmond Reid (running back), Kyle Louis (linebacker), and Ben Sauls (kicker) each garnered All-America honors following stellar campaigns in 2024.
Men's Basketball: Grit and Growth
Jeff Capel's squad delivered its third straight winning campaign, peaking at No. 18 in the AP Poll and showcasing a relentless brand of basketball. The Panthers went a perfect 12-0 when scoring 80 or more points and were a force in the ACC, ranking among the league leaders free throw percentage (3rd - .782), blocked shots (2nd - 4.13 bpg.), steals (4th - 7.28 spg.), turnover margin (3rd - +2.38), and assist-to-turnover ratio (T-5th - 1.34:1).
Resilience was the calling card. Pitt set a school record with seven wins after trailing at halftime and erased double-digit deficits in four victories.
Zack Austin made NCAA history, becoming the first player ever to log 50-plus blocks and 50-plus three-pointers in three different seasons. Austin also delivered a buzzer-beating three-pointer to propel the Panthers to a dramatic come-from-behind 91-90 overtime win at Ohio State in November.
Baseball: Brawls, Comebacks and Milestones
Pitt baseball continues to thrive under head coach Mike Bell, making its fifth straight trip to the ACC Baseball Championship. The Panthers once again rose to the occasion, upsetting No. 10 Louisville in the opening round and delivering another Backyard Brawl classic—rallying with five runs in the bottom of the ninth to walk off No. 12 West Virginia.
Pitt also swept Penn State in commanding fashion and earned its first ACC series sweep since 2021. Speedster David Pedanou swiped 22 bases without being caught, the best mark by a Panther in two decades and one of only three such seasons in Division I this year.
Unified Success, Panther Pride
From walk-off wins to All-American honors, Pitt's men's programs delivered a year to remember. Whether on the court, the field, or the mat, the Panthers proved they consistently compete—and win—at the highest level. With strong leadership, elite performances and unwavering grit, Pitt joined exclusive company in 2024-25, putting a bold exclamation point on a season of success.