Remember how Pat Narduzzi tried to lure Pitt fans? After free pizza, Boston College fans are in for more surprises. One that might not be as easy to digest. For the upcoming clash with Boston College, freshman Mason Heintschel will take over the starting role from redshirt sophomore Eli Holstein, who has had a tough showing in the last two games against West Virginia and Louisville. So, let’s take a closer look at what this change could mean for Pitt’s offense.

Who is Mason Heintschel?

A four-star recruit out of Clay High School, Ohio, Heintschel was ranked the No. 44 quarterback in the Class of 2025 and No. 27th in Ohio. Over his high school career, he chipped in 7,322 passing yards and an eye-popping 79 touchdowns. In his senior year alone at Clay High, Mason chipped in 188-of-272 passes (69.1%) for 2,444 yards and 35 touchdowns. Moreover, he added 770 rushing yards and six touchdowns, leading his roster to the 2024 NLL Cardinal Division championship. The QB had received offers from Toledo, Kent State, Akron, Coastal Carolina, among others.

It was in March 2024 that the Ohio native committed to the Pitts, signing the letter of intent in the following December. Offensive coordinator Kade Bell played a big part in his recruiting process. “I think the big thing was the relationship I was able to build with their, with their quarterback coach, Coach Bell,” he said in an interview with WTOL11. He continued. “When I went on my visit, I mean, that was something that we were just in conversation. I was able to pick up on a lot of the things that he was saying…a lot of the stuff with the offense. I think that just made my decision. Like I said, really a no-brainer.” Coach Bell had been the first Power 4 coach to offer Mason.

The proximity to his family also played a role in his decision to go with the Panthers. “It was definitely big for me because it’s one of those things where they were, they’re close enough to where I can have family come and watch and all that kind of stuff,” he told Tyler Seggerman. “It felt like the right place for me for sure.”

Being an early enrollee, he joined the program in January. Within his freshman year, he grabbed the QB1 opportunity; it is a great start for Mason in his collegiate career.

Pitt Turns to Freshman Mason Heintschel at QB Against Boston College

After throwing two interceptions against Louisville, Eli Holstein struggled to get Pitt’s offense moving, failing to reach the end zone in the second half. For Saturday’s matchup against Boston College, head coach Pat Narduzzi has handed the starting reins to freshman Mason Heintschel. ” NEW: Pitt has benched Alabama transfer QB Eli Holstein in favor of Rivals 4-star true freshman Mason Heintschel for its game against Boston College,” Pete Thamel wrote on X. Naturally, his family is thrilled. His dad, Eric, expressed beaming. “H2P!!!!,” he wrote on X.

Though listed as the team’s third-string quarterback, this marks the first time a true freshman has started at Pitt since Kenny Pickett in 2017. It’s also Mason’s first career start, though he has seen limited action before. He completed 3-of-4 passes for 36 yards against Central Michigan in the Panthers’ 45-17 victory. Narduzzi is placing his hopes in him to appease the already miffed fans, troubled with the Panthers’ 2-2 start.