In many ways, 2026 is set to be a new era for Pitt at linebacker.

That group will be minus All-American Kyle Louis, who declared for the NFL Draft, two-time All-ACC selection Rasheem Biles, who entered the transfer portal, and coordinator Randy Bates, who oversaw Pitt’s linebackers in addition to calling plays leading into his post-Military Bowl retirement.

Now, new linebackers coach Joe Bowen (formerly Buffalo’s defensive coordinator) prepares to take over a room that includes Leechburg’s Braylan Lovelace and Aliquippa’s Cameron Lindsey.

On Saturday evening, the Panthers brought in experienced help for Bowen in the form of 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker DeMarco Ward, who announced a commitment after transferring from Memphis.

This past season, Ward appeared in 12 games, recording 63 tackles with a forced fumble and two interceptions.

Interestingly, Ward has displayed some splash-play potential akin to Biles, as both of his interceptions, in Weeks 1 and 2 vs. UT Chattanooga and Georgia State, he returned for pick-sixes.

Ward will be a junior this fall, having begun his collegiate career at Florida State (2023-24) before transferring to Memphis.

A native of Duluth, Ga., Ward should arrive at Pitt with a shot to compete for a starting role in 2026.

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