Heintschel Makes Major Move in QB Power Rankings to No. 1 Spot
Pitt true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel is one of the best stories at this point of the 2025 college football season, and he is now being viewed as the top signal caller in the sport.
Heintschel, who came out of high school with Pitt as his only Power Four offer, entered the season as the third-string quarterback for the Panthers. By October, the 18-year-old took over the reins of the Pitt offense and has led the Panthers to a 4-0 record and in the thick of the ACC race.
According to CBS Sports’ David Cobb, Heintschel is currently the No. 1 quarterback after holding the 43rd slot just a week ago.
“Pitt is 4-0 since Heintschel took over the starting job at the beginning of October. Since then, the unheralded freshman leads the ACC in yards, touchdowns and quarterback rating. In a 53-34 win vs. NC State last week, he became the ACC’s first freshman in 30 years to pass for 400+ yards and three touchdowns in the same game. Not bad for a three-star prospect. Last week: 43,” Cobb stated.
The 6-2, 215-pound Heintschel broke the all-time single-game freshman passing record at Pitt last week with 423 passing yards to go along with three touchdowns and no interceptions against NC State.
Heintschel was named the ACC Rookie of the Week for the second time this season thanks to his performance against the Wolfpack.
This season, Heintschel has completed 95-of-146 passes for 1,243 yards and nine touchdowns to three interceptions. He has added 41 rushes for 122 yards and a score.
Since he has taken over the starting role, Pitt has turned its season around after a 2-2 start with wins over Boston College, then 25th-ranked Florida State, Syracuse and NC State.
Over the past four games, the Pitt offense has averaged 39.5 points per game.
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