The Pittsburgh football team is undefeated on the season in 2026. The Panthers though are getting some tough news about starting quarterback Mason Heintschel. Heintschel left the team's win on Friday against Virginia Tech with an injury.
“Pitt QB Mason Heintschel is set to undergo MRI testing on his right leg today, sources tell On3,” Pete Nakos reported on X, formerly Twitter.
Pitt is now 5-0 on the campaign after defeating Virginia Tech Friday, 35-33. The Hokies missed a field goal that would have won the game.
“We've got a hell of a football team,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said postgame, per ESPN. “Now, any of those [AP Top 25] voters out there, if they wake their a** up, they might figure that out.”
Heintschel was replaced in the second half by backup quarterback Holden Geriner. Geriner threw a touchdown pass to help lift the Panthers to a victory.
Article Continues Below“Just finding a different way to win,” Narduzzi said. “We talk about respect. I hope the country will respect the Panthers now. … I tell our guys all the time that there's going to be ups and downs. Our guys rode the wave and never gave in. They never batted an eye. They believed until the end. Faith and belief, that's what this football team's got. They've got a lot of guts in that locker room.”
Heintschel was seen on crutches after the game. Geriner might be needed to play more moving forward.
“This is what I've prayed for my whole life,” Geriner said. “My thoughts and prayers are with Mason. If that's the case, I'm going to do everything I can to continue preparing, as I've been doing, to lead this team.”
Pittsburgh next plays North Carolina on October 10.