Heintschel Named Semifinalist for Freshman of the Year Award
Pitt true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel is cementing himself as one of the top freshman in college football this season.
On Wednesday, Heintschel was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. He is one of 14 finalists.
Pitt named Heintschel the starting quarterback after a 2-2 start to the season. Since heās taken over, Heintschel has led the Panthers to a 5-0 record and a No. 24 ranking in the initial College Football Playoff Rankings. The Panthers are in the thick of the ACC race with a 5-1 record.
After dropping 323 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in his first collegiate start against Boston College, Heintschel was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week, along with being named the ACC Rookie of the Week.
Heintschel was the first ACC true freshman with 300 passing yards and four touchdowns in his first career start sinceĀ Deshaun WatsonĀ in 2014.Ā
Across six games this season ā including a relief appearance against Central Michigan, Heintschel has completed 118-of-184 passes (64%) for 1,547 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. Heās added 143 rushing yards and one score on the ground.
Against NC State, Heintschel tossed for a Pitt freshman record 423 yards, which also ranks sixth all-time in program history. He threw three touchdowns to no interceptions as he was named the ACC Rookie of the Week for the second time.
During Pittās five-game winning streak with Heintschel under center, the Panthers have scored 200 points, which is the most in the country, while ranking second nationally with 2,229 total yards.
Finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award will be announced Dec. 3, with the winner named Dec. 30. The formal presentation will take place at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala on March 14, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga.
Offer Alert
The 2025 Pitt football season is here, so take advantage of this limited time offer to sign up and receive all the news and intel surrounding the Panthers. Sign up today ā $1 for the first week, plus a complimentary year of access to The Athletic. Click the image below to join!
