Pitt football, with a history dating back to 1890, claims a total of nine national championships.
But only once (1976) has Pitt been national champion during the NCAA era (1955 to present).
This fall, Pitt will honor the 50th anniversary of its legendary 1976 national title-winning squad, highlighted by an in-game celebration Oct. 10 when North Carolina visits Acrisure Stadium.
Per Pitt, the 1976 Panthers will be honored through “special fan experiences, commemorative giveaways, exclusive merchandise, historical storytelling and in-game recognitions tied to the Panthers’ national championship legacy.”
Planned celebratory elements for this upcoming season include 1976-themed souvenir cups, commemorative in-stadium branding and dedicated anniversary signage throughout Acrisure Stadium and on Art Rooney Avenue.
Exclusive 50th anniversary merchandise will be available for purchase, while every home game will feature in-game storytelling moments and video features.
Pitt will also distribute 1976-themed buttons at home games while supplies last and host interactive and historical exhibits on Art Rooney Avenue.
On Oct. 10 at Acrisure Stadium, Pitt will honor members of the 1976 team at halftime. Themed rally towels and Tony Dorsett bobbleheads, honoring his Heisman Trophy win in 1976, will be given to fans arriving early.
The 1976 Panthers went 12-0, pummeled No. 5 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, and ended the season as champions and the No. 1 team in the nation.
Dorsett that season led the nation with 2,150 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, becoming Pitt’s first and only Heisman Trophy winner to date.
Led by fourth-year coach Johnny Majors, Pitt began the year ranked No. 9 and won its opener vs. No. 11 Notre Dame before dispatching Georgia Tech, Temple, Duke, Louisville, Miami, Navy, Syracuse, Army, West Virginia and No. 16 Penn State.