Pitt Linebacker Kyle Louis Declares for 2026 NFL Draft, Will Skip Military Bowl
Pitt is losing one of its most dynamic defensive leaders, as redshirt junior linebacker Kyle Louis announced he’s declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Louis, who has been a force in the Panthers’ front seven, won’t suit up for the team’s upcoming Military Bowl matchup against East Carolina, officially closing the book on a standout college career.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Louis thanked his coaches, teammates, and supporters, reflecting on a journey that began in East Orange, New Jersey, and took him to the heart of Pitt’s defense. “Coming to this school has given me nothing but opportunities and friendships that I will forever be thankful for,” he wrote.
And it’s hard to overstate just how much Louis made of those opportunities.
Over four years - including two as a full-time starter - Louis built a résumé that puts him among the most decorated linebackers in recent Pitt history. A 2024 second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC selection, he followed that up with second-team all-conference honors in 2025.
Across 33 career games (26 starts), Louis racked up 201 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and six interceptions. That’s not just productive - that’s playmaking.
Louis wasn’t just a stat-sheet stuffer, though. He was a tone-setter.
A leader. And yes, the man behind the “Sharks” nickname for Pitt’s linebacker corps - a fitting moniker for a group that hunted the ball with relentless energy.
Alongside Rasheem Biles and Braylan Lovelace, Louis helped form one of the most versatile and disruptive linebacker trios in college football. Over the past two seasons, that trio forced 16 turnovers and scored six defensive touchdowns.
Louis himself posted eight double-digit tackle games in that span and earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors four times.
Now, he’s set to take that impact to the next level.
Though he played linebacker at Pitt, some NFL scouts project Louis as a safety at the pro level - and it’s not hard to see why. In Pitt’s defensive scheme, Louis played the “Star” linebacker role, which often put him in space and asked him to cover like a defensive back while still crashing downhill like a traditional linebacker. That hybrid skill set is increasingly valuable in today’s NFL, where versatility is king.
And Louis has caught the attention of NFL evaluators. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently ranked him as the No. 2 safety prospect in the 2026 draft class - a strong endorsement of his potential at the next level.
Louis’ story is also a testament to Pitt’s ability to identify and develop talent. Originally a three-star recruit committed to Temple, he flipped to Pitt late in his senior year of high school.
He redshirted his freshman season and cut his teeth on special teams and in spot duty before breaking into the starting lineup in 2023. From there, he never looked back.
While Louis’ departure is a big loss for the Panthers, he’s not the only key player who won’t be available for the bowl game. Running back Desmond Reid - who, like Louis, was named a preseason All-American - will also miss the Military Bowl after battling an ankle injury for most of the season. In addition, three players have entered the transfer portal this week: wide receivers Jesse Anderson and Zion Fowler-El, and offensive lineman Jackson Brown.
That means Pitt will be shorthanded when it takes the field in Annapolis. But Louis’ legacy is already cemented. He leaves as a leader, a playmaker, and a symbol of what Pitt’s program can produce - a gritty, under-the-radar recruit who developed into one of college football’s most complete defenders.
The next stop? The NFL. And based on what we’ve seen the past two seasons, Kyle Louis is ready for it.