Pitt Announces Starting Lineup for Season Opener

PITTSBURGH — Pitt is just under half an hour away from kicking off against Kent State in the season opener, and the starting lineup has been released.

There aren’t too many surprises offensively, with Desmond Reid starting at running back and a quartet of wide receivers announced as starters. The offensive line is unchanged from the Week 1 depth chart.

Nick James and Isaiah Neal earned the start on the defensive line, alongside Nate Matlack and Jimmy Scott. Kyle Louis, Brandon George and Braylan Lovelace (over Rasheem Biles) earned the start at linebacker. And in a somewhat surprising development, Donovan McMillon isn’t listed as a starter in the secondary.

Ryland Gandy and Rashad Battle are starting at cornerback, and Javon McIntyre and P.J. O’Brien Jr. are starting at safety.

Offense

QB — Eli Holstein

RB — Desmond Reid

WR — Konata Mumpfield

WR — Daejon Reynolds

WR — Kenny Johnson

WR — Poppi Williams

TE — Gavin Bartholomew

LT — Branson Taylor

LG — Ryan Jacoby

C — Lyndon Cooper

RG — BJ Williams

RT — Ryan Baer

Defense 

DE — Nate Matlack

DL — Nick James

DL — Isaiah Neal

DE — Jimmy Scott

LB — Kyle Louis

LB — Brandon George

LB — Braylan Lovelace

CB — Ryland Gandy

S — P.J. O’Brien Jr.

S — Javon McIntyre

CB — Ryland Gandy

CB — Rashad Battle

Special Teams 

K — Ben Sauls

P — Caleb Junko

LS — Nilay Upadhyayula