Pitt Freshman Heintschel to Start Against Boston College

PITTSBURGH — The Pitt Panthers are set to start freshman quarterback Heintschel against Boston College this Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. The decision follows a challenging performance by redshirt sophomore Eli Holstein, who was benched last week after throwing two interceptions against Louisville.

Holstein, initially seen as a promising player, struggled recently, completing just 57% of his passes for 531 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in the last two games. Overall, he has thrown for 1,050 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

Heintschel, who completed three of four pass attempts for 36 yards earlier this season against Duquesne, will be the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Pitt since Kenny Pickett in 2017. During his senior year at Clay High School in Oregon, Ohio, Heintschel passed for 7,322 yards and 79 touchdowns.

Pitt’s head coach, Pat Narduzzi, praised Heintschel’s work in practice, saying, “He’s had a good week of practice. I feel good. I think sometimes when you get pulled, that maybe things change a little bit.”

Additionally, the Panthers will be missing their star all-purpose back, Reid, for the second week in a row due to a lower-body injury. Head coach Narduzzi expressed confidence in Heintschel’s ability to lead the offense effectively against a struggling Boston College team.

The Eagles are reeling from three consecutive losses and are facing injuries on their defensive line. Narduzzi acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the potential for a fresh start with Heintschel at the helm.