
Brewu, Louis Featured on The Athletic’s 2025 “Freaks List”
8/6/2025 9:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH— Two Panthers have earned national recognition for their exceptional athleticism and physical prowess.
Defensive lineman Francis Brewu and linebacker Kyle Louis were both named to The Athletic's prestigious annual "College Football Freaks List," compiled by senior writer Bruce Feldman to spotlight the most physically gifted players in the country.
Brewu, a sophomore, came in at No. 24 on this year's list, his second straight appearance after first making the cut as a true freshman in 2024. The 6-foot-1, 280-pound defensive tackle turned heads once again in Pitt's offseason program with a 685-pound squat, 475-pound bench press, and 33-inch vertical jump—eye-popping numbers for a player of his size. Brewu's rare combination of power, quickness, and natural leverage continues to establish him as one of the Panthers' most disruptive players.
Louis, a redshirt junior and 2024 All-American, made his Freaks List debut at No. 65 following a dominant season. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, Louis clocked 21.34 miles per hour last fall on a pick-six against Syracuse, showcasing the elite top-end speed that complements his hard-hitting style.
The national spotlight on Brewu and Louis further emphasizes Pitt's reputation as a program that develops elite talent—on the field and in the weight room.
The full 2025 Freaks List, featuring 101 of college football's most explosive athletes, is available now on The Athletic.