Sep 13, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein (10) throws a pass during the second quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images Ben Queen-Imagn Images

Pitt Reveals Starting Lineup vs. Louisville

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Panthers on SI
By Karl Ludwig | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 11:41 AM ET

PITTSBURGH - The Pitt Panthers have the opportunity to bounce back in a major way against Louisville, but they will be shorthanded.

The ACC announced that Desmond Reid and Rashan Murray were out two hours before kickoff, which is obviously a major loss for Pitt. Juelz Goff will be a key piece for the Panthers, shouldering the majority of the load at running back, and while Murray is a loss, with Rashad Battle back in the lineup, it's a unit that will be okay.

Tamon Lynum is dressed but not in the starting lineup. Shadarian Harrison has replaced him in the starting unit - with Shawn Lee Jr. also in line for additional snaps.

Juelz Goff is receiving his first official home start with Reid out of the lineup.

Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jake Overman is back healthy, not listed on the availability report and warming up with the team, but Justin Holmes earned the starting spot. Overman, Holmes and Malachi Thomas should all be expected to play.

Deuce Spann is also in the starting lineup now, listed alongside Kenny Johnson, Blue Hicks and Poppi Williams. Pat Narduzzi has hyped up Spann for a few weeks now, and with Reid out, there are more targets to go around.

Kickoff is a little under half an hour away, and the Panthers will look to start ACC play with a bang - and bounce back from a demoralizing performance against West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl.

Starting Lineup

QB - Eli Holstein

RB - Desmond Reid

WR - Kenny Johnson

WR - Poppi Williams

WR - Blue Hicks

WR - Deuce Spann

TE - Justin Holmes

LT - Jeff Persi

LG - Keith Gouveia

C - Lyndon Cooper

RG - BJ Williams