Game Week: Pitt Travels to Stanford for First Time in Over 100 Years

PITTSBURGH – On a four-game win streak, the Panthers (6-2, 4-1) head west to face the Cardinal at Stanford for the first time since Dec. 30, 1922.

This marks the fifth all-time meeting between Pitt and Stanford, with the series currently tied at 2-2. The programs last met in the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl, a 14-13 victory for Stanford.

Last week, Pitt took down NC State, 53-34, for the first time since 2001.

PITT at STANFORD

November 1, 2025 • 3:30 P.M. ET

Stanford Stadium (50,424/Natural Grass) • Stanford, Calif.

ACCN • 93.7 The Fan • Pitt Panthers Radio Network

PittsburghPanthers.com • @Pitt_FB

GAME STORYLINES

Quarterback Mason Heintschel completed 28 passes for 423 yards and three touchdowns in just his fourth career start, setting Pitt's freshman single-game passing record. He became the first ACC freshman in 30 seasons—and the only Power Four freshman this year—to throw for 400 yards and three scores in a game. His 423 yards were the ninth most in college football this season and the second most by an ACC quarterback.
Pitt is 4-0 overall and in the ACC since Heintschel became the starter. His 84-yard touchdown to Cataurus Hicks tied the longest passing score by a Pitt player in Acrisure Stadium history. Since Week 6, Heintschel ranks second nationally in passing yards (1,210) and first in the ACC in yards, touchdowns, and QBR, averaging 302.5 yards per game.
True freshman Trey Butkowski converted nine kicks—four field goals and five PATs—in Pitt's win. His four field goals were a career high and the most by a Panther since 2022, while his 43-yarder set a program record for consecutive makes (16). His 17 kicking points led the ACC last week and ranked fourth nationally.
Butkowski has made 19 of 21 field goals to start his career and leads the ACC in points (92), field goals (19), and PATs (35), while ranking third in field goal percentage (90.5%).
Wide receiver Blue Hicks caught four passes for a career-high 120 receiving yards and one touchdown in Pitt's win over NC State. His 84-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter was the longest of his career and tied for the fourth longest in school history. Hicks' 120 receiving yards marked the highest single-game total by a Pitt wideout this season and led all ACC receivers last week, while his 84-yard score was the longest catch in the conference this year. The performance also marked his second career 100-yard receiving game, having previously recorded 115 yards against Louisville on September 27.
The Panthers produced 529 total yards of offense and 29 first downs, ranking second and first in the ACC last week in those categories, respectively. Pitt was one of only three ACC teams that did not allow a sack and the only FBS offense in the country to pass for at least 420 yards without surrendering one.