University of Pittsburgh Athletics
2026 NFL DRAFT RECAP: Pitt Continues to Produce NFL Talent
4/27/2026 12:52:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — Pitt Football's long-standing tradition of producing NFL talent continued this weekend, as linebacker Kyle Louis was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft and running back Desmond Reid signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.
The Panthers have now produced 304 all-time NFL Draft selections, a total that ranks second among current ACC programs and 20th among all NCAA programs. Under Head Coach Pat Narduzzi, Pitt has extended that legacy with 32 NFL Draft picks during his tenure. Since Narduzzi took over as head coach, the Panthers have had at least one player selected in 11 consecutive NFL drafts.
Louis became the latest Pitt standout to hear his name called, going to Miami with the No. 138 overall selection. A team captain and one of the most decorated defensive players in recent program history, Louis finished his Pitt career with 201 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries over 37 games.
His rise was fueled by a dominant 2024 campaign, when he totaled 101 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four interceptions on his way to first-team All-America honors. He followed that with another standout season in 2025, recording 81 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Louis' versatility at Pitt's STAR linebacker position, combined with a strong Senior Bowl week and NFL Combine performance, helped solidify his standing as one of the top linebackers in the draft.
"Kyle is everything you want in a young man representing your team," Narduzzi said. "What makes him special is the way he approaches every day. He's a competitor who is always looking for more work and more ways to make himself and the guys around him better. I saw him grow from a talented young player into the leader of our team, and he earned every bit of that. Coach Hafley and the Dolphins aren't just getting a great player. They're getting someone who will elevate everyone in that locker room and shine brightest when the spotlight is at its biggest."
Reid continued Pitt's NFL pipeline by signing with the Bills following the conclusion of the draft. One of college football's most versatile offensive weapons during his time with the Panthers, Reid totaled 1,240 rushing yards, 896 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns over his Pitt career, making an impact as a runner, receiver and return specialist.
His breakout 2024 season included 962 rushing yards, 579 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns. He earned second-team All-America recognition from six outlets and was named first-team All-ACC as both an all-purpose player and return specialist.
In 2025, Reid appeared in seven games and produced 595 yards from scrimmage with four offensive touchdowns. He also delivered one of the season's most memorable plays with an 88-yard punt return touchdown, the longest in Acrisure Stadium history and Pitt's longest since 1945.
"Desmond's a gamechanger every time he touches the ball," Narduzzi said. "But what I'll remember most is the energy and toughness he brought every single day. It didn't matter if it was practice, meetings or game day, you could feel it when Desmond was around. He's as tough as they come, plays bigger than his size and never backs down from anything. The Bills are getting a guy who loves football, loves his team and is going to make them better every single day."
In addition to Louis and Reid, several former Panthers earned invitations to upcoming NFL rookie minicamps.
Defensive backs Rashad Battle and Javon McIntyre, tight end Justin Holmes, offensive lineman Jeff Persi and wide receiver Deuce Spann are set to participate in the Kansas City Chiefs' rookie minicamp. Persi also received an invitation from the San Francisco 49ers.
Tight end Jake Overman will take part in the Buffalo Bills' rookie minicamp, while punter Caleb Junko received invitations from both the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers.
Pitt's 2026 NFL Draft weekend once again reflected the program's consistent ability to develop players for the next level, adding another chapter to one of college football's most storied pro pipelines.
