Pitt Freshman QB Heintschel Leads Panthers to Dominant 48-7 ACC Victory over Boston College

Mason Heintschel, an 18-year-old true freshman who was announced as the surprise starter after Eli Holstein was benched, completed 30-of-41 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns in a 48-7 rout of Boston College and was named the ACC Rookie of the Week. Pitt dominated the game—racking up 503 total yards, 31 first downs and a 31-0 halftime lead while converting all red-zone trips and avoiding turnovers; receiver Kenny Johnson had a career-high nine catches for 115 yards. Coach Pat Narduzzi and teammates praised Heintschel’s poise, preparation and ball security after the game-day decision to start him. Boston College was thoroughly outplayed, totaling just 216 yards, committing three turnovers, and coach Bill O’Brien called the performance unacceptable as BC fell to 1-4. Narduzzi compared the moment to Kenny Pickett’s 2017 freshman start but warned one game doesn’t define Heintschel as Pitt prepares for a tougher stretch that includes a trip to Florida State.