Heintschel, Johnson Earn ACC Football Player of the Week Honors
10/27/2025 2:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH – Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel and wide receiver Kenny Johnson have been honored by the ACC this week for their performances in the Panthers' 53-34 win over NC State last Saturday.
Heintschel was named ACC Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, while Johnson earned ACC Receiver of the Week honors for the first time in his career. Heintschel has now earned an ACC weekly award in three of the last four weeks.
Heintschel, a true freshman, 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 now 4-0 overall and in the ACC since Heintschel became the starter. His 84-yard touchdown to Cataurus "Blue" Hicks tied the longest passing score by a Pitt player in Acrisure Stadium history and tied the fourth longest passing touchdown in school 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.
Johnson caught seven passes for 112 yards and a touchdown in the first half before leaving with an injury. He eclipsed 100 yards receiving in a game for the second time this season and third time in his career.
Despite missing the entire second half, he still ranked second in the ACC last week with 112 receiving yards. Johnson's seven receptions were tied for third most in the conference, while his 16.0-yard average ranked second.
