Pitt QB Heintschel is out for the season with a torn ACL
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Pitt sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel is out for the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee in a victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night.
Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi made the announcement in a post on X on Saturday, about 24 hours after Heintschel was injured in the second half of what became a 35-33 win that boosted the Panthers’ record to 5-0.
Narduzzi released a statement Saturday night regarding Heintschel’s injury.
“We’re heartbroken for Mason, but he’s a resilient young man,” Narduzzi said. “We know he’ll attack his recovery with the same determination he brings to our building every day, and our entire program will be behind him every step of the way. His leadership and ability to help coach up our quarterbacks will remain important to us as we continue to rally together and move forward.”
Heintschel was scrambling for yardage when he was tackled and fell to the ground with his right leg pinned behind him while simultaneously being hit by another Virginia Tech defender. He was in visible pain while being tended to by trainers and returned to the sideline later in the game on crutches.
Heintschel was off to an electric start for Pitt, throwing for 14 touchdowns against just one pick at the time of the injury.
Last season, Heintschel took over the starting quarterback job as a true freshman from Eli Holstein almost a year to the day of his injury.
He burst onto the scene with a four-touchdown performance in a 48-7 win against Boston College. He went on to pass for 2,354 yards and 16 touchdowns to eight interceptions in nine games.
Pitt went 6-2 with Heintschel at quarterback last year to finish off the regular season, which helped the Panthers earn a bid to the Military Bowl. He led the Panthers to road wins against ranked opponents Florida State and Georgia Tech.
Holden Gernier, a transfer from Auburn, came on for Heintschel and played well, throwing for 78 yards and a touchdown. Gernier figures to be the starter when Pitt (5-0, 2-0 ACC) hosts North Carolina (2-2, 0-1) at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday.