10 Pitt Football Players Earn Spots on ACC Academic Team

Pitt football program recognized for high academic achievement among student-athletes.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Pittsburgh football program placed 10 student-athletes on the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference academic team. The academic requirements for selection include maintaining a 3.0 GPA over the previous two semesters and a 3.0 cumulative GPA, while competing in at least 50% of their team's athletic contests.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the commitment of Pitt's football program to academic excellence, with the team also recently being selected as one of seven national recipients of the 2025 AFCA Academic Achievement Award for achieving the highest graduation rates among student-athletes.

The details

The 10 Pitt football players named to the 2025 ACC academic team are: Josh Altsman (marketing), Sam Carpenter (marketing/supply chain management), Ryan Carretta (accounting/finance), Jiavani Cooley (undeclared), Josh Guerrier (undeclared), Eli Holstein (exercise science), Abe Ibrahim (natural sciences area), Ja'Kyrian Turner (undeclared), BJ Williams (sociology), and Bryce Yates (undeclared).

  • The 2025 ACC academic team was announced on January 31, 2026.

The players

Pat Narduzzi

The head coach of the University of Pittsburgh football team.

Josh Altsman

A Pitt football player majoring in marketing.

Sam Carpenter

A Pitt football player majoring in marketing and supply chain management.

Ryan Carretta

A Pitt football player majoring in accounting and finance.

Jiavani Cooley

A Pitt football player with an undeclared major.

Josh Guerrier

A Pitt football player with an undeclared major.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We ask our players to compete at a high level in everything they do, and these young men have done exactly that. We congratulate them on this well-earned recognition and thank our outstanding academic support staff for their commitment to helping our student-athletes succeed academically year-round. I couldn't be prouder of everyone involved, on the field and in the classroom.”

— Pat Narduzzi, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh Football (centredaily.com)

What’s next

The University of Pittsburgh football program will continue to prioritize academic achievement among its student-athletes as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Pitt's football program has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, with 10 players earning spots on the 2025 ACC academic team and the team being recognized nationally for its high graduation rates among student-athletes. This commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes is a testament to the program's values and the support provided by the university's academic resources.