University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Battle Accepts Invitation to Compete in 2026 American Bowl
1/12/2026 4:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt defensive back Rashad Battle has accepted an invitation to compete in the American Bowl, a postseason all-star showcase featuring 120 national prospects projected to be selected on the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Battle put together a productive and resilient career with the Panthers, overcoming multiple injuries while emerging as a consistent contributor in the secondary.
In 2025, he played and started 11 games, totaling a career-high 42 tackles. He added career-best marks of 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack, while also recording five pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
During the 2024 season, he appeared in 11 games with 10 starts, missing two contests due to injury. He still finished with 36 tackles, one tackle for loss, one fumble recovery and eight pass breakups. He logged a career-high seven tackles with a TFL against California, recorded his first career fumble recovery versus Youngstown State, and twice posted career-high two pass breakups (West Virginia and Syracuse). Battle was also named to the All-ACC Academic Football Team.
He did not see game action in 2023 after suffering an injury during preseason camp. In 2022, he was limited to the first three games before receiving a medical redshirt, totaling six tackles, including a career-high five stops against West Virginia. He played in seven games in 2021, recording nine tackles, and appeared in all 11 games in 2020, contributing on special teams and at cornerback.
The American Bowl is more than a traditional postseason all-star game. In its inaugural year, the event is supporting active military members and veterans through the Military Thriving initiative. For the 2026 American Bowl, 10 on-field coaches will be military veteran "Soldier Coaches," with two additional veterans serving as "Soldier Ops," providing leadership experience and professional development in football operations.
The American Bowl will air in prime time on NFL Network on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m. ET.
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