Pitt will start a new quarterback Saturday as freshman Mason Heintschel takes over under center. The news was first reported by Pete Thamel of ESPN.
The move comes after Eli Holstein’s uneven stretch, which
saw him pulled from last week’s loss to Louisville following a pair of interceptions. Holstein began the year showing promise with back-to-back four-touchdown games but has struggled in recent weeks, throwing three interceptions while completing less than 60 percent of his passes. He transferred from Alabama and entered the fall viewed as one of the ACC’s rising signal-callers, yet his inconsistency has forced the staff’s hand.
Heintschel, just 18 years old, will get the nod despite limited game action. The Oregon, Ohio native has only four collegiate pass attempts, all coming in Pitt’s win over Central Michigan earlier this month. A three-star prospect out of Clay High School, he set local records with more than 7,000 yards and 79 touchdowns before signing with the Panthers.
The decision also follows personnel challenges elsewhere. Senior Cole Gonzales, who replaced Holstein mid-game against Louisville, will serve as backup. Meanwhile, Pitt’s top offensive weapon, Desmond Reid, is sidelined again with a lower-body injury. Reid, an all-purpose threat and one of the nation’s premier special teams players, has not seen the field since leaving the West Virginia matchup on Sept. 13.
Pitt’s opponent, Boston College, enters with problems of its own. The Eagles have dropped three straight and are dealing with injuries up front. Defensive lineman Quintayvious Hutchins is unavailable, though Owen Stoudmire, Max Tucker and Isaiah Farris are expected to return.
For Pitt, the game doubles as a chance to reset. A new starter at quarterback signals urgency and offers a glimpse of the program’s future.
