2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Pitt’s Hybrid Linebacker Kyle Louis

Pitt Panther Kyle Louis, like his partner-in-crime Rasheem Biles, is a hybrid linebacker that can play in multiple positions effectively. The 6’1”, 220 lb. Louis is a bit of a “tweener” for the pros, being a little small for linebacker and on the big side for safety at the next level. But Louis is a demon on the field.  

Louis had his breakout year in 2024, amassing 101 tackles (15 of them for losses). But because of Louis’s speed, he makes an excellent blitzer, attacking the quarterback from the interior or rushing as an edge rusher. He recorded 7 sacks in 2024.

What’s more, Louis is exceptional in coverage. He can drop and cover backs, tight ends, and even receivers, picking off 4 passes last season and adding 3 pass breakups and forcing 1 fumble. To say he’s versatile would be an understatement.  

Strengths

Louis can play inside and outside linebacker and can drop into coverage, becoming a hybrid safety. He’s currently deployed in run defense, multiple coverage schemes, and with his speed, he can play even against twitchier slot receivers. Head Coach Pat Narduzzi even uses Louis as an edge rusher from time to time, turning him loose and letting him get after the quarterback. 

Louis is gifted athletically. He moves with the agility and speed of a defensive back but possesses the instincts of a true linebacker. On any given play, scouts will see Louis making plays in the box, in coverage, or running down backs, all while moving sideline to sideline. He’s a tackling machine with great technique and has the talent to become a premier spot blitzer in the pros. 

Weaknesses

While Louis’s game will translate to the NFL, he’s small for his position. Teams will want to see him bulk up and add weight while not sacrificing his speed. If he doesn’t, he may get gobbled up by more physical linemen in power run situations. 

Also, while Louis is a remarkable pass rusher, he will need to learn some pass-rushing techniques before translating his game to the NFL. Right now, he relies on his speed and scheme to win one-on-one battles, but more skilled pass protection in the NFL will require him to improve his techniques and add moves to his pass rush repertoire. 

Conclusion 

Kyle Louis is considered by all scouts to be one of the top linebackers in the 2026 class, but his size and “tweener” status will likely place him in the mid-day-two, early-day-three range. With another record-setting season at Pitt, he may solidify a spot in round two, but teams will want to see consistency and growth in his pass-rushing game. The results are there, but they want to see a repeat of 2024.

Louis can play all three downs in the NFL if he adds some weight and muscle, and he will excel in creative defensive schemes that will tap into his unique abilities. Teams are always looking for a linebacker with his speed and versatility. A comparison may be former Michigan Wolverine and longtime pro Jabril Peppers.