Pitt's Mason Heintschel suffers torn ACL in win over Virginia Tech, reports say

Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel suffered a torn ACL during Friday's game against Virginia Tech, according to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel.

The star sophomore signal-caller suffered the apparent lower-body injury after being tackled on a third-down scramble near the sideline with 13 minutes, 4 seconds left in the third quarter at Lane Stadium. 

Heintschel appeared to grab his knee while on the ground and was later helped into the injury tent by Pitt staff members. The broadcast showed Heintschel with crutches on the Pitt sideline. 

Holden Geriner replaced Heintschel as quarterback for the Panthers, who took a 28-24 lead over Virginia Tech six plays after Heintschel's injury on a 15-yard rushing score from Damon Ferguson Jr. The Panthers jumped ahead 35-24 early in the fourth quarter after Geriner connected with Cataurus Hicks for a 29-yard score, but Virginia Tech responded with a safety and a touchdown to get within 35-33 with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Virginia Tech kicker John Love missed the potential game-winning 36-yard field goal as time expired. 

Before leaving the game, Heintschel tallied 113 yards passing and one passing score. The sophomore quarterback has 14 passing scores and one interception so far this season. He has also thrown for 1,304 yards. 

Geriner is a fifth-year player for the Panthers who transferred from Texas State for the 2026 season. He played three games for Texas State in 2025 after spending three seasons at Auburn. 

Pitt and Virginia Tech both came into Friday's game 4-0. 

The Panthers (5-0, 2-0 ACC) host North Carolina on Oct. 10.