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PITTSBURGH -- The University of Pittsburgh will honor the 50th anniversary of its 1976 National Championship football team throughout the 2026 season, highlighted by a major in-game celebration when the Panthers host North Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Throughout the 2026 season, the 1976 National Championship celebration will be featured in and around Acrisure Stadium. Planned elements include:
– 1976-themed souvenir cups, commemorative in-stadium branding and dedicated anniversary signage throughout Acrisure Stadium and Art Rooney Avenue
– Special in-game video features and storytelling moments honoring the 1976 team at every home game
– Interactive and historical exhibits on Art Rooney Avenue celebrating the legacy of the 1976 team
The Oct. 10 planned programming will include:
– Special halftime recognition honoring members of the 1976 National Championship team
– Tribute video celebrating the legacy and impact of the historic season
– Dedicated halftime performance from the Pitt Marching Band themed around the 1976 championship season
– 1976-themed rally towel giveaway for fans in attendance
– Commemorative Tony Dorsett bobblehead giveaway for fans entering Acrisure Stadium early
– Special Heisman Foundation recognition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Tony Dorsett winning the Heisman Trophy
Panthers on ballot
Pitt will be represented on the 2027 National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame ballot by former players Matt Cavanaugh, Craig "Ironhead" Heyward and Antonio Bryant, as well as former head coach Jackie Sherrill.
Cavanaugh started at quarterback for the Panthers from 1975-77, leading the program to three bowl victories and the 1976 National Championship.
Heyward played for Pitt from 1985-87. In 1987, he carried 357 times for 1,791 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 21 receptions for 198 yards and another score.
Bryant starred at Pitt from 1999-2001 and won the Biletnikoff Award in 2000 as the nation's top receiver after catching 68 passes for 1,302 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Sherrill led the Panthers from 1977-81, compiling a 50-9-1 record and the highest winning percentage (.842) in school history. Sherrill guided Pitt to four Top-10 finishes in five seasons, including a No. 2 final ranking in 1980 and a No. 4 finish in 1981.
The announcement of the 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2027.