Pitt for Jesus Mobilizes 600 at University of Pittsburgh in Athlete-Led Revival Outreach

Athletes Step Forward in Campus Revival Movement

PITTSBURGH, Penn. (Sept. 24, 2025)—Student-athletes at the University of Pittsburgh hosted a “Pitt for Jesus” gospel outreach that drew nearly 600 people. By night’s end, more than 65 committed to Christ and about 80 were baptized, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network.

Jake Overman, a redshirt senior tight end for Pitt’s football team and founder of the athletic ministry Pitt Purpose, helped spearhead the event. In an interview with Sports Spectrum, he called the night “a defining moment” and said, “Whether it’s on the court, whether it’s in the classroom, wherever it may be Lord, I just pray for a boldness to come over these athletes, Lord.”

Overman also shared a larger vision:

“I thank You that You have positioned them in such a time as this … we declare right now that Pitt Athletics belongs to Jesus.”

Overman was joined by offensive lineman Caleb Holmes and defensive lineman Joey Zelinsky, each giving testimony on stage.

Local pastors collaborated with the movement. Pastor Adam Miller of Life Church Pittsburgh described the altar as “filled with students surrendering their lives to JESUS … SAVED, SET FREE, HEALED, SET APART, BAPTIZED.”

Revival in Review

• Attendance: ~600 people gathered at Mazeroski Field, adjacent to Pitt’s campus
• Decisions: Over 65 surrendered in faith to Jesus
• Baptisms: About 80 underwent water baptism
• Participation: 16 ministries and 15 varsity sports represented
• Church & Campus Impact: More than 45 football players reportedly publicly declared faith; Bible studies & prayer meetings have grown on campus

Part of a Larger Awakening

This outreach marks the first large-scale event of its kind at Pitt, though it aligns with a rising trend of campus revival efforts among athlete-led ministries.

As Overman put it,

“If God can touch a football team, then He could touch a campus. … If you could touch a city … He could touch a country.”

Christian Perspective: In Scripture, Jesus commands His followers to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). When those with visible platforms—such as athletes—take a stand, it echoes the early church’s call to bold witness in the public sphere. Revival often begins where God’s people will not shrink from influence.

Next Steps in the Awakening

Organizers believe Pitt Purpose is only beginning. Students have already begun asking how to continue discipleship, small groups, and campus outreach. The hope is that this revival spark will ripple outward—into Pittsburgh, into Pennsylvania, and beyond.

As Pastor Miller reflected, today’s generation is “hungry for what’s real… God is after this next generation.”

Join the Revival Movement

As part of the AWAKE America family, here’s how you can engage:

• Pray: Lift up these students, Pittsburgh, and campus ministries in our daily prayer rhythms.
• Share: Post a prayer or encouragement to America’s Prayer Room.
• Attend: Explore upcoming spiritual events or revival gatherings at our Events Page.
• Support: If you are led, financially or in mentorship, connect with local campus ministries near you.

From reivval on campuses to citywide gatherings like the upcoming AWAKE Boston rally on October 24–25, 2025, believers are seeing signs of God’s Spirit at work.

May God raise up more platforms for His glory—and may “Pitt for Jesus” be the first of many campus revivals across our nation.

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