Movement in and out of the Pitt football program has continued as the transfer portal window (Jan. 2-16) remains open.
So far, the majority of news surrounding Pitt has consisted of players from the 2025 squad entering the transfer portal.
Most recently, defensive tackle Francis Brewu and kicker Trey Butkowski joined a list that includes linebacker Rasheem Biles, receiver Kenny Johnson and center Lyndon Cooper.
Both Brewu and Butkowski were full-time starters for Pitt last season.
The two players no longer appear on Pitt’s active roster, a subtle confirmation on the part of the Panthers when players do indeed depart the program.
Brewu, who will be a junior in 2026, just enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Panthers, earning All-ACC honorable mention accolades.
He recorded 35 tackles (six for loss) and a sack in 12 games, leading all interior defensive linemen at Pitt.
As a freshman in 2024, he played in 12 games with one start.
Butkowski, coming off his true freshman season, earned the starting kicking job for Pitt out of fall camp.
He went on to have a solid year, drilling 20 of 23 (87%) of his field goals. Butkowski did miss two games against Notre Dame and Georgia Tech with an illness, but was named second-team All-ACC.
Since Jan. 2, it hasn’t been all bad news for Pitt.
A growing number of players have posted to social media with a “Locked In” graphic, announcing their intention to return to Pitt for 2026.
Cornerback Shawn Lee was the first, reversing course after he flirted with the transfer portal for a few days. Then, defensive tackle Sean FitzSimmons did the same.
Offensive lineman Keith Gouveia, whose 2025 campaign was cut short after four games due to a season-ending leg injury, joined those announcing a return, as did Steel Valley’s Cruce Brookins and Aliquippa’s Cameron Lindsey.
Gouveia, who transferred to Pitt last offseason from Richmond, began the season as starting left guard before suffering an injury mid-game vs. Louisville on Sept. 27.
Brookins, a safety who will be a redshirt junior year in the fall, was an All-ACC honorable mention in 2025, appearing in nine games and making 44 tackles with a pair of picks.
Lindsey staying put is significant for Pitt given the linebackers room lost All-American Kyle Louis (NFL Draft) and Biles, a two-time All-ACC selection.
Over the last two years, the soon-to-be redshirt junior has played a reserve role behind Louis and Biles. In 2025, he saw his role increase, as Lindsey played in all 13 games, making three starts and recording 32 tackles (five for loss) with a pair of sacks.
Under incoming linebackers coach Joe Bowen, Lindsey will be in line to start in 2026, as he’ll be among the Panthers’ most battle-tested players at his position.
