University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Five Takeaways from Pitt Football Training Camp Practice No. 18
8/27/2026 3:05:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — Pitt Football returned to the field Thursday for its 18th practice of training camp. Head Coach Pat Narduzzi was joined by defensive lineman Sean FitzSimmons and offensive lineman Ryan Carretta for media availability.
Here are five takeaways from Thursday:
1. Preparation Shifts Toward Miami
The Panthers began installing portions of their game plan for the Sept. 5 season opener against Miami (Ohio).
Narduzzi said the staff spent a week studying Miami over the summer, paying close attention to the RedHawks' transfers and personnel.
"They've got a lot of really good players," Narduzzi said. "You want to know not only schematically what they like to do offensively, defensively and on special teams, but also who those people are in that scheme."
2. Three Panthers Set the Pace
When asked which players had distinguished themselves throughout camp, Narduzzi named Mason Heintschel, Ja'Kyrian Turner and FitzSimmons.
"They've done it every down and not missed a down," Narduzzi said.
FitzSimmons is preparing for his final season at Pitt with ambitious goals.
"We want the ACC championship and want to compete for a national championship," FitzSimmons said. "It's my last time in a Pitt uniform, so I've got to make a statement."
3. Heintschel Protecting the Football
Narduzzi praised Heintschel's growth in avoiding sacks, using his checkdowns and throwing the ball away when necessary.
"He's grown a lot," Narduzzi said. "The key is don't turn the ball over, and you've got a chance to win a lot of football games."
Carretta has also noticed Heintschel becoming a more vocal leader.
"We all rally behind him," Carretta said. "When you can get a whole offense to rally behind a quarterback, especially when he's super young, that shows a lot about his character."
4. Carretta Takes Command at Center
After starting at left guard last season, Carretta has transitioned back to center and embraced the responsibility of directing Pitt's offensive line.
"Being the center, you've got to take control of the offensive line," Carretta said. "That's something I wanted to get better at."
Narduzzi said he feels good about the unit's depth, but its performance will ultimately be judged in games.
"If we run the ball better, it is," Narduzzi said when asked if this could be Pitt's best line under offensive coordinator Kade Bell. "If we pass protect, it is. If we don't, it's not."
5. Defensive Line Built on Depth and Extra Work
FitzSimmons believes Pitt has quality options throughout the defensive line rotation.
"Put any of us out there, we can all play," FitzSimmons said. "We've got players on the D-line."
The group has regularly arrived early to practice for additional pass-rush work. FitzSimmons said those extra periods have helped the unit sharpen its technique and prepare for the season.
"It's almost like an extra period before everybody else," he said. "I think that has really helped us grow."
