2026 FSU Schedule Preview: Pitt Panthers

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Pat Narduzzi enters his 12th season in Pittsburgh with a record of 80-61 overall and under his watch, Pitt has been one of the more predictable teams in the conference. The Panthers typically beat who they’re supposed to beat and lose to who they’re supposed to lose. Credit where it’s due, as Pitt claimed an ACC Championship in 2021, but this season’s version of the Panthers likely won’t achieve that feat. Doesn’t mean they won’t be good, though. Narduzzi and hotshot offensive coordinator Kade Bell will look to continue Pitt’s defined image as an aggressive team on both sides of the ball, and projections have Pitt winning anywhere from five to nine games this season.

Florida State vs. Pitt Panthers

Date: Friday, Nov. 13, 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Previous matchup: Pittsburgh beat then-25th ranked Florida State 34-31 in Tallahassee last season. In only his second game, true freshman QB Mason Heintschel torched the ‘Noles for 321 yards and two touchdowns to Desmond Reid, who returned from injury to accumulate nearly 200 all-purpose yards on the day.

All-time series: 7-5 in favor of Pitt.

Pitt Panthers: 2026 Team Preview

2025 record: 8-5

Two things to know:

• The offensive line is going to be much improved, likely one of the better units that FSU will face in 2026 (assuming health). Five of the top seven offensive linemen from last year return, including three starters, alongside incoming All-MAC guard Keylen Davis. 6’7, 325 pound tackle Ryan Bare will lead the unit that will likely be stronger in run sets than in pass protection.
• As a result of said OL, Pitt’s run game should be strong this season thanks to a lightning and thunder-type duo. Sophomore Ja’Kyrian Turner is tough as nails and quicker than a hiccup at 5’9, 180 pounds. His new running mate is Western Kentucky transfer La’Vell Wright, who is a bruiser at 6’, 222 pounds. The ground game will be a focus for offensive coordinator Kade Bell while the new receivers settle in and try to build chemistry with Heintschel.

Three key players

• QB Mason Heintschel: Headed into his true sophomore season and first as an established full-time starter, Heintschel will look to build upon last season’s promise. He showed some major arm talent, throwing for over 300 yards in four of his first five starts and dropping 423 yards on NC State. He isn’t a mobile quarterback and can get rattled under consistent pressure but if given time, he’s proven that he can carve up a defense. FSU must knock him down often if they hope to get in his head.
• LB Alex Sanford Jr.: Pitt lost star linebacker Rasheem Biles to Texas in the offseason, so in steps Sanford into the coveted Money position in the Panther’s scheme, which lends itself to major tackling numbers. The Purdue transfer is in line for a significant production increase from his 46 tackles last season- Biles racked up over 100 tackles and 4.5 sacks, and was part of five turnovers, in the position last year.
• Nickel DeMarco Ward: Name sound familiar? Ward began his career in Tallahassee before transferring to Memphis, where he enjoyed a breakout season with 63 tackles and two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns). Think he’ll be motivated? Ward will likely be in a hybrid position in Pitt’s scheme and should get plenty of snaps.

Florida State vs. Pitt Panthers: Game preview, predictions

Best Case

Coming off a comfortable win over Boston College, FSU parlays its confidence gained into a strong start on offense and defense, forcing an early turnover and hitting on a couple of big plays to Duce Robinson. The Seminoles are able to dial up consistent pressure on Heintschel and knock him down frequently, causing him to rush throws and the Panthers to become one-dimensional on offense. FSU establishes the run game and controls the clock, converting on third down often and wearing down Pitt’s defense, leading to a victory and a 2-0 record in the northeast this season.

Realistic Case

I’m not confident that FSU will be able to consistently get into the backfield enough to rattle Pitt’s quarterback. This could be a repeat of last season when the Panthers were able to do what they wanted on offense for most of the game. FSU should be able to put up some points on Pitt’s aggressive defense thanks to Daniels’ mobility and none of their defensive backs being able to match up with Duce, but the offense is likely to turn the ball over at least once. I think a victory for the Panthers is more likely than one for FSU, especially in the cold weather.

Worst Case

In a showcase game for offensive coordinator Kade Bell on his way to securing a head coach role, the Panthers blow out the Seminoles. Can’t rule it out, sadly.

2026 FSU football schedule

• Saturday, Aug. 29: New Mexico State Aggies (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee) | 7:00 p.m. (The CW)
• Monday, Sep. 7: SMU Mustangs (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee) | 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
• BYE
• Saturday, Sep. 19: Alabama Crimson Tide (Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.) | 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
• Saturday, Sep. 26: Central Arkansas Bears (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)
• Saturday, Oct. 3: Virginia Cavaliers (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)
• Friday, Oct. 9: Louisville Cardinals (Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, Ky.) | 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)
• Saturday, Oct. 17: Miami Hurricanes (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.)
• BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 31: Clemson Tigers (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)
• Saturday, Nov. 7: Boston College Eagles (Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Mass.)
• Friday, Nov. 13: Pitt Panthers (Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pa.) | 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)
• Saturday, Nov. 21: NC State Wolfpack (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee)
• Friday, Nov. 27: Florida Gators (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee) | 3:30 p.m. (ABC)

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