PITTSBURGH—Pitt sophomore linebacker Kyle Louis, one of the most disruptive defenders in all of college football this season, has been named a First Team All-American by The Sporting News.

Louis becomes the first sophomore defensive player at Pitt to earn First Team All-America from an NCAA-recognized selector since the legendary Hugh Green in 1978.

Louis’ honor also marks the 100^th First Team All-America citation in Pitt football history. Coach Pat Narduzzi has mentored 10 of those first-team honorees.

“We knew Kyle had All-America ability back in the spring,” said Narduzzi, Pitt’s Chris Bickell ’97 Head Football Coach. “He absolutely delivered on our lofty expectations with an outstanding year. His production and impact were incredible. On behalf of our entire program, we congratulate Kyle on this richly deserved honor from The Sporting News. The best thing is, Kyle Louis is going to be even better in 2025.”

“I am honored, humbled and incredibly grateful to receive First Team All-America recognition from The Sporting News,” Louis said. “This honor is as much about my teammates and coaches as it is about me. I’m thankful for their support and all they do to help me be the best player and person I can be. It’s an honor and privilege to wear the Blue and Gold and compete with my Pitt brothers every day.”

No defender in the country filled a stat line like Louis this past season. He compiled 97 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four interceptions (not including his interception of a 2-point conversion pass) and a forced fumble.

Louis returned one of his interceptions for a 59-yard touchdown against Syracuse, one of the most dazzling defensive plays of the 2024 college football season.

In addition to his All-America accolades, Louis was voted first team All-ACC by conference head coaches and media, receiving the highest amount of voting points of any linebacker. He finished third in ACC Defensive Player of the Year balloting and was the only non-senior among the top-five vote getters.  

Louis will help lead Pitt into its final contest of the season, the GameAbove Sports Bowl against Toledo on December 26. The game, held in Detroit’s Ford Field, will be nationally televised by ESPN and kick off at 2 p.m.