Pitt Freshman QB Heintschel Joins Breakout Power Rankings

**Pittsburgh’s Mason Heintschel Emerges as National Freshman QB Contender, Earns High CBS Sports Ranking**

**PITTSBURGH, PA – April 18, 2024** – The University of Pittsburgh Panthers may have found an early gem in true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel, who has quickly garnered national attention by landing at No. 13 on CBS Sports’ recently released “Top Breakout Freshman QB Power Rankings” for the upcoming 2024 season. The accolade comes just months after Heintschel, a standout from Toledo, Ohio, enrolled early and began making an impression during spring practice.

Published on April 15, 2024, the CBS Sports list, authored by analyst Tom Fornelli, spotlights incoming freshmen with the highest potential to make an immediate impact. Heintschel’s inclusion at such a prominent position speaks volumes about the early buzz surrounding his abilities in Pittsburgh. (For reference, the full rankings can be found at cbsports.com).

Heintschel, who officially signed with Pittsburgh during the early signing period in December 2023, wasted no time immersing himself in the college football environment. His early enrollment has provided invaluable repetitions during spring drills, allowing him to acclimate to Offensive Coordinator Kade Bell’s new system and compete with veteran signal-callers like Christian Veilleux and Nate Yarnell. This early start is often critical for freshmen hoping to bypass the typical redshirt year.

“Mason has come in with a remarkable level of maturity for a true freshman,” Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi commented earlier this spring. “He’s got a very live arm, a quick release, and he’s not afraid to compete. We’re excited about his potential and what he brings to our quarterback room.”

Before arriving in Pittsburgh, Heintschel orchestrated a prolific high school career at Catholic Central in Toledo, Ohio. During his tenure, he amassed an impressive 7,539 passing yards and a stellar 99 touchdowns. As a senior in 2023, he led the Fighting Irish to a deep playoff run, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and leadership on the field. His consistent performance earned him multiple all-state honors and established him as one of Ohio’s top quarterback prospects.

Analysts are particularly pointing to Heintschel’s strong arm strength, accuracy, and his ability to quickly process defenses—traits that are often rare in true freshmen. Given Pitt’s struggles on offense last season (finishing 3-9 overall) and the ongoing competition at the quarterback position, there is a legitimate path for Heintschel to see significant playing time, potentially even earning a starting role, as early as the 2024 college football season.

The Panthers’ new offensive scheme under Coordinator Kade Bell is expected to be more up-tempo and aggressive, potentially leveraging Heintschel’s arm talent. While experience often dictates quarterback decisions, the opportunity for Heintschel to bypass more seasoned players highlights the confidence coaches and analysts are beginning to place in his ceiling. As summer workouts approach and fall camp looms, all eyes will be on Mason Heintschel to see if he can live up to the burgeoning expectations and translate his early promise into on-field success for the Panthers.