Pittsburgh’s worst-case scenario confirmed for quarterback Mason Heintschel

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Pittsburgh earned a thrilling 35-33 victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night.

Virginia Tech lined up for a game-winning 36-yard field goal with three seconds left, but kicker John Love hooked it just to the left, giving Pittsburgh the win.

MORE: Pitt football star Mason Heintschel gets major award after dominant Week 1 performance

The program is now 5-0, but will have to play the rest of the 2026 college football season without starting quarterback Mason Heintschel. Heintschel went down with a knee injury during the second half of Friday’s game and didn’t return.

He then underwent an MRI on Saturday, which, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, confirmed that he tore his ACL. He will miss the rest of the season.

Who replaces Heintschel?

Backup quarterback Holden Geriner filled in pretty well for Heintschel on Friday night, finishing with 78 yards through the air, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He will likely start for the rest of the season as Pittsburgh tries to continue its great year.

This is Geriner’s first season with Pittsburgh after spending last season with Texas State and three prior seasons with Auburn.

Pittsburgh’s next game will be against North Carolina at home next Saturday. Kickoff will be at noon ET.

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