Pitt star quarterback Mason Heintschel tore his ACL in Friday’s win at Virginia Tech, a major blow that leaves the undefeated Panthers without their sophomore starter.
Heintschel went down with 13 minutes and 4 seconds left in the third quarter at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia, after a tackle on a third-down scramble near the sideline. He grabbed his knee on the ground, was helped to the injury tent, and later appeared on the Pitt sideline with crutches.
CBS News Pittsburgh reported the injury from Friday’s game, and ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel said the star signal-caller suffered a torn ACL.
Before exiting, Heintschel had thrown for 113 yards and one touchdown. On the season he had piled up 1,304 yards, 14 touchdown passes, and just one interception. Both teams entered the night at 4-0.
Fifth-year quarterback Holden Geriner took over. Geriner transferred from Texas State for the 2026 season after three games there in 2025 and three earlier seasons at Auburn.
Six plays after the injury, Damon Ferguson Jr. ran for a 15-yard score and Pitt led 28-24. Early in the fourth, Geriner hit Cataurus Hicks for a 29-yard touchdown to make it 35-24.
Virginia Tech answered with a safety and a touchdown to pull within 35-33 with 10 minutes left. Hokies kicker John Love then missed a 36-yard field goal as time expired. Pitt escaped 5-0 and 2-0 in the ACC.
The Panthers host North Carolina on Oct. 10. That game will show how ready Geriner and the offense are without their top passer.
A torn ACL is a season-altering injury for any quarterback. Pitt won ugly on the road and kept its perfect record, but the cost at the position is real and immediate.
Undefeated looks good on paper. Replacing a productive starter in conference play is the hard part still ahead.
