University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panthers Earn 10 Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC Selections
7/6/2026 3:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt Football placed 10 student-athletes on the 2026 Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC Team, highlighted by first-team linebacker Braylan Lovelace.
Lovelace, one of the nation's premier linebackers entering the 2026 season, was named to the conference's First-Team Defense.
The Panthers had four players earn second-team recognition. Running back Ja'Kyrian Turner and offensive tackle Ryan Baer represented Pitt on offense, while defensive lineman Sean FitzSimmons and defensive back Cruce Brookins were second-team defensive selections.
Offensive lineman BJ Williams earned Third-Team Offense honors, while defensive linemen Nick James and Jimmy Scott, along with defensive back Shawn Lee Jr., were named to the Third-Team Defense.
Wide receiver Cataurus Hicks rounded out Pitt's selections as a Fourth-Team Offense honoree.
Pitt's 2026 Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC Selections
First Team
Second Team
- RB Ja'Kyrian Turner
- OL Ryan Baer
- DL Sean FitzSimmons
- DB Cruce Brookins
Third Team
- OL BJ Williams
- DL Nick James
- DL Jimmy Scott
- DB Shawn Lee Jr.
Fourth Team
Season tickets for Pitt's 2026 campaign at Acrisure Stadium are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here. Fans can also view single-game ticket pricing here. For additional information on group ticket opportunities, visit PittsburghPanthers.com/groups or contact the Panthers Ticket Office at 412-648-7488.
