The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) ranked Pitt 208th out of 251 schools for free speech in the 2025 report on speech climates, a drop from its previous ranking of 130th of 248 schools.

The Associated Press once again ranked Pitt at No. 17 following their week-one victory against West Virginia. The USA Today coaches poll viewed the Panthers more favorably following their performance, bumping them up two spots to No. 14.