Pitt Football Sets Its Leadership Core with Five Captains for 2025
With kickoff for the 2025 season just a week away, the Pitt Panthers have officially announced their team captains—and this year, the program is leaning on five trusted veterans to guide the way.
Traditionally, Pitt has named four captains, but head coach Pat Narduzzi and his staff expanded that number to five for 2025, recognizing the leadership and impact of center Lyndon Cooper, tight end Jake Overman, safety Javon McIntyre, running back Desmond Reid, and linebacker Kyle Louis.
Anchoring the Offense
Cooper, a redshirt senior, returns to solidify the middle of Pitt’s offensive line. After transferring from N.C. State ahead of the 2024 season, he started 12 games and logged more than 850 snaps. His ability to control the trenches and his voice in the locker room make him a natural choice to lead.
Overman, now in his sixth year of college football, has stepped into a bigger role within the tight end group. The transfer from Oregon State caught 17 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown last year, but his influence stretches beyond stats—he has become a steady veteran presence for the offense.
Defensive Stability
In the secondary, McIntyre brings both experience and consistency. Entering his redshirt senior season, he has started 23 games over the past two years. Known for his tackling and versatility, McIntyre has compiled more than 130 tackles in that span, establishing himself as one of Pitt’s most dependable defensive backs.
Louis, meanwhile, is coming off an All-American campaign and serves as the emotional heartbeat of the defense. His 2024 stat line—101 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and four interceptions—speaks for itself. He’ll be counted on to set the tone for a unit that prides itself on toughness and disruption.
Versatility in the Backfield
On offense, Reid gives Pitt a dynamic weapon and a captain who leads by example. The senior running back put up 962 rushing yards, 579 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns last season, showing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Entering 2025 with preseason All-American and All-ACC buzz, Reid is expected to be one of the Panthers’ most dangerous playmakers.
As Pitt prepares to open the season next Saturday, the Panthers’ leadership core is clear. With a mix of battle-tested veterans and versatile stars, this year’s group of captains embodies both the stability and ambition the program hopes to showcase in 2025.