The 2026 Pitt Football Kickoff Luncheon will take place on August 28 inside the UPMC Club at Acrisure Stadium, marking the start of a new season while paying tribute to a historic milestone.
Honoring a Legendary Era
The celebration commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Panthers’ 1976 campaign, a season that began with a 33‑19 Sun Bowl victory over Kansas and culminated in an undefeated national championship.
Al Romano, a consensus All‑American nose tackle and Outland Trophy finalist, will share recollections of that championship run, recalling a pivotal defensive stop that preserved a seven‑point lead in the title game.
Pat Bostick, former Pitt quarterback and now Senior Associate Athletic Director, will moderate the Q&A, guiding the conversation with Romano and highlighting the contributions of Hall of Fame inductee Allen Greene.
The event is presented by Huntington Bank and will also recognize the 2026 senior class, weaving together past glory with the excitement of the upcoming season.
As the Panthers gear up for the new campaign, the luncheon serves as a bridge between decades of tradition and the fresh ambitions of today’s team.