University of Pittsburgh Athletics
9/1/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
Pitt opens its 137th season of football against Miami (Ohio) this Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. The Panthers and RedHawks will meet for the third time, while Pitt owns a 35-6 all-time record against members of the Mid-American Conference. The 2026 campaign marks Pat Narduzzi's 12th season as Pitt's head coach. Since his arrival in 2015, Narduzzi has directed the Panthers to 52 ACC victories, the third-highest total in the conference during that span.
Pitt enters the 2026 season with key contributors returning on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Mason Heintschel and running back Ja'Kyrian Turner return after leading the Panthers in passing and rushing, respectively, as true freshmen in 2025. Turner closed the season as one of the ACC's most productive rushers, while Pitt's defense returns linebacker Braylan Lovelace after holding opponents to just 2.7 yards per carry last season. Lovelace, an Honorable Mention All-ACC selection in 2025, anchors a veteran defensive unit. Heintschel, Ryan Baer, Lovelace and Cruce Brookins will serve as Pitt's team captains in 2026, with Heintschel believed to be the program's first true sophomore captain in the modern era.
Keep it here for everything happening at Acrisure Stadium, from kickoff through the final whistle.
IN-GAME HIGHLIGHTS
FIRST QUARTER:
- Facing 3rd-and-11 after an illegal motion penalty, Mason Heintschel connected with CJ Lee for 31 yards to move the sticks. Heintschel capped the opening drive with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Malik Knight. Antonio Chadha’s kick was good and Pitt took an early 7-0 lead.
- Heintschel handed the ball off to Justin Cook, who found a lane, burst through the defense and outran everyone to the endzone for a 50-yard score — the first touchdown of his Pitt career.
- Ja'Kyrian Turner hauled in a 14-yard catch to set Pitt up at the 5-yard line, and Heintschel found tight end Elijah Lagg on the ensuing snap to make it 21-0 Pitt after one quarter.
Second Quarter
- Miami (OH) answered with a 30-yard connection from quarterback David McComb to Scoop Smith. Initially ruled a touchdown, the play was overturned after Shawn Lee Jr. dragged Smith down just short of the goal line. But, D'Shawntae Jones punched it in on the next play to make it 21-7.
- Nick James notched the first sack of the season, forcing a third-and-17. Isaiah Neal followed that up with a sack of his own on the next play to force a Miami (OH) punt.
- Pitt carried the momentum into its next drive — Heintschel scrambled briefly before finding Turner wide open for a 45-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 28-7.
- The Redhawks answered right back with a 75-yard touchdown strike. Josh Guerrier couldn't quite bring down Damarion Witten in coverage, and the Miami (OH) wide receiver took off.
- Antonia Chadha closed off the half with a 58-yard field goal, pushing Pitt to a 31-14 lead. The field goal ties the longest-field goal in Pitt history.
Third quarter
- After a few near-misses earlier in the half, Blue Hicks came through with a 53-yard touchdown grab. The ball sailed a little high for the 5-foot-10 receiver, but he got his hands on it anyway, extending Pitt's lead to 38-14.
- CJ Lee hauled in a 35-yard touchdown pass with 7:43 left in the third quarter. He was the third receiver and fifth player overall to catch a touchdown from Heintschel on the day.
- Heintschel continued to show off his arm, adding a sixth touchdown pass on the day. This time he found fellow sophomore Bryce Yates for a 27-yard pass to make it 52-1Heintschel continued to show off his arm, adding a sixth touchdown pass on the day. This time he found fellow sophomore Bryce Yates for a 27-yard pass to make it 52-14
Fourth quarter
- Mason Heintschel tied a nearly 30-year-old program record with his seventh touchdown pass of the day, matching Pete Gonzalez's mark set in October 1997. The record-tying throw went 37 yards to Damon Ferguson.
- Rashan Murray stepped in front of a McComb pass intended for Tristan Reed and picked it off with 7:55 to play, giving Pitt the ball back at the 41-yard line.
- Neither team scored the rest of the game and the Panthers won their first game of the season 59-14.
KICKOFF AND RIB FESTIVAL
Roc’n on Rooney transforms into Rib Fest for Pitt’s home opener! Enjoy award-winning ribs, live music, festival food, games and more around Acrisure Stadium throughout the weekend.
50/50 Raffle
Purchase your 50/50 raffle tickets throughout the concourse on gameday. 50/50 tickets are available to purchase with credit only.
Happy Hour specials are featured at every home game for the Pitt 50/50 raffle. Maximize your chance to win by purchasing your 50/50 tickets before kickoff!
Panther Club Tailgate of the Game
Panther Club staff & Pitt Spirit Squad members will be prowling the parking lots 3 hours prior to kick-off to award the "Tailgate of the Game" presented by Pennsylvania Lottery. The winner will receive a PA Lottery & Pitt Swag Bag and get their picture on the videoboard!
Pitt Football Pledge Per Success
Back the Panthers. Celebrate every big play. Make an impact all season long.
Panther Club and Pitt Football are teaming up to give fans a new way to support Pitt Football throughout the 2026 season. With Pledge Per Success, you can pledge an amount per win, sack, field goal and/or touchdown and turn every game-day milestone into meaningful support for Pitt student-athletes.
