Former Pittsburgh running back exploring college football return

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There’s a chance that former Pittsburgh running back Desmond Reid returns for a fifth season of college football.

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Reid is exploring a return to college football after Colorado Judge Charlotte Sweeney ordered the NCAA to declare eligible all class of 2022 athletes who finished their four seasons this past spring.

Reid spent the previous two seasons with Pittsburgh, finishing the 2025 campaign with 278 yards and two touchdowns. He was limited to seven games by multiple injuries. Reid ended his Pitt tenure with 1,244 rushing yards and seven touchdowns to go along with 896 receiving yards and six scores.

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The Buffalo Bills signed Reid after he went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. Buffalo released him, though, after he suffered an undisclosed injury at one of the team’s spring practices.

Prior to Reid’s time with Pittsburgh, he spent two seasons with Western Carolina and had his best season with that program in 2023, compiling 897 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 283 yards during that season.

In four collegiate seasons, Reid racked up 2,965 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, while hauling in 117 passes for 1,391 yards and seven touchdowns.

The 2026 college football season is set to start in four weeks, so it remains to be seen if Reid goes back for a fifth year. He was part of the 2022 recruiting class and was a three-star recruit, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Pittsburgh will open the 2026 season against Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 5 at 12:30 p.m. ET.

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