Pitt’s NFL Combine Week: Louis, Reid Take the Next Step in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS—Pitt Football is represented at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis, as Kyle Louis and Desmond Reid take part in team interviews, medical evaluations, official measurements and on-field workouts.

This page will be updated throughout the week with results, quotes, media coverage and behind-the-scenes notes from Indianapolis.

At a Glance

Kyle Louis

Position: Linebacker

Hometown: East Orange, N.J.

Status: Completed

Official Measurements: HEIGHT 6' 0'' | WEIGHT 220 lbs. | ARM 31 1/4'' | HAND 9 1/2''

Last Updated: Feb. 27

Desmond Reid

Position: Running Back

Hometown: Miami Gardens, Fla.

Status: On Site

Official Measurements: HEIGHT 5' 6'' | WEIGHT 174 lbs. | ARM 28 1/8''| HAND 8 1/4''

Last Updated: Feb. 28

Kyle Louis Updates

Feb. 27 | Linebacker Bench, Departure

Kyle Louis' week came to a close on Friday as linebackers officially departed Indianapolis. He did not take part in bench press testing.

Feb. 26 | Linebacker Testing Day

Louis continued his strong pre-draft ascent with an eye-catching performance on testing day, delivering one of the most complete athletic profiles among this year's linebacker class. He ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash, fifth-best among linebackers, posted a 39.5-inch vertical, fourth-best, and recorded a 10'9" broad jump, second-best. His change-of-direction numbers were equally impressive with a 6.97 three-cone, second-best, 4.26 20-yard shuttle, third-best, and a 1.58 10-yard split, also third-best.

National media and draft analysts took notice. Several outlets listed Louis among the biggest linebacker risers coming out of testing day, pointing to how his numbers confirmed what showed up on tape, including range, acceleration and coverage ability in space. In a deep solid group, Louis separated himself by checking nearly every athletic box. Media also spoke highly of his on-field movement drills, noting how natural and smooth he looked in position work.

That momentum builds off a strong Senior Bowl week, where Louis consistently flashed during practices. He earned praise for his instincts in coverage, playmaking ability and competitiveness in team periods, creating turnovers and showing comfort operating in space. Evaluators left Mobile viewing him as more than just a productive college defender. They saw a linebacker whose game translates to today's NFL.

Taken together, the Senior Bowl and Combine have elevated Louis' draft stock significantly throughout the pre-draft process. By pairing high-level testing numbers with strong interview impressions and proven on-field production, Louis has positioned himself as one of the more upward-trending linebacker prospects in the 2026 class.

Feb. 25 | Linebacker Media Availability

Kyle Louis met with media at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine this week, reflecting on his development at Pitt, his versatility at the STAR position and the mindset that has fueled his rise from East Orange, N.J., to one of the draft's most intriguing linebacker prospects. Louis emphasized his preparation during the pre-draft process, calling the past few months "the fourth quarter," and reiterated his confidence in proving he is a true three-down linebacker at the next level.

During the session, Louis discussed his "shark mentality," a phrase rooted in his hometown and carried throughout his Pitt career, as well as the pride he takes in his Senior Bowl performance and film study habits. He credited early-morning work in the facility and his transition from safety to linebacker as pivotal factors in his growth, highlighting his ability to defend the run while also excelling in coverage in today's evolving, pass-heavy NFL.

Louis also detailed his meetings with NFL teams, his focus on showcasing speed in on-field testing and the leadership responsibility he embraced as a team captain. A full transcript of his media availability is linked at the top of this page, along with news clippings and videos below:

Kyle Louis discusses impact of his Senior Bowl showcase | NFL on NBC

Having already shown he's a playmaker, Pitt's Kyle Louis eager to show off speed at combine | TribLIVE

Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis turns chip on his shoulder into Day 2 stock at NFL combine | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pitt's Kyle Louis says the NFL needs players like him | 93.7 The Fan

This fast-rising NFL draft prospect from N.J. brings 'shark mentality' to the field: 'I smell blood' | NJ.com

Louis Results Tracker

Drill

Result

Notes

40-Yard Dash

4.53

Fifth-best mark among LBs

Vertical

39.5"

Fourth-best mark among LBs

Broad Jump

10'9"

Second-best mark among LBs

3-Cone

6.97

Second-best mark among LBs

20-Yard Shuttle

4.26

Third-best mark among LBs

10-Yard Split

1.58

Third-best mark among LBs

Bench

—

Desmond Reid Updates

Feb. 28 | Running Back Testing Day

Today, Reid had his official measurements completed and will take to the field at 1 p.m. to conduct testing. His results will be listed below in his "Results Tracker" as they become available.

Feb. 27 | Running Back Media Availability

Desmond Reid addressed the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, reflecting on the adversity he faced during his final collegiate season as he looks toward the NFL Draft. Reid openly discussed the toll injuries took on his senior year, including setbacks suffered in key games like the Backyard Brawl, NC State and Notre Dame, which ultimately limited him to seven appearances in 2025. Despite the challenges, he emphasized his commitment to pushing through for his team and continuing to compete, showing the resilience that helped him earn his opportunity on the Combine stage.

Reid also fielded questions about perceptions of his size and how that might impact his transition to the NFL. Rather than shy away from those conversations, he leaned into his playing style, asserting that he competes with a physical approach that outweighs any concerns about measurements. Even in a shortened 2025 campaign, Reid totaled 278 rushing yards, 317 receiving yards and five touchdowns, and he notably never fumbled during his college career. His breakout 2024 season, when he approached 1,000 rushing yards and earned All-ACC recognition, helped solidify his status as an NFL prospect.

Pitt's Desmond Reid Talks Overcoming Injuries at NFL Combine | SI.com

Feb. 26 | Running Back Medicals, Interviews

Reid will spent most of Thursday undergoing medical examinations at the NFL Scouting Combine, along with participating in formal team interviews.

What's Next?

Reid's week will come to a close Sunday as running backs officially depart Indianapolis, but he will have the opportunity to complete bench press testing before leaving.

Reid Results Tracker

Drill

Result

Notes

40-Yard Dash

—

Vertical

—

Broad Jump

—

3-Cone

—

20-Yard Shuttle

—

10-Yard Split

—

Bench

—

How to Follow

NFL Scouting Combine coverage airs on NFL Network throughout the week.

Follow Pitt Football online and on social media for live updates, video and photo content from Indianapolis.

Click here to read article