Atlantic · 2026

Pittsburgh

2025 record 8–5 6–2 conference
Postseason Military Bowl L 17–23 vs ECU
Head coach Pat Narduzzi Year 12
Scheme Pro Style / 4-3
Conference
B−

Returning QB/RB and Narduzzi defense fit upper-middle ACC, not a title roster

Portal
D+

Portal #16; low-volume/low-rated by ACC standards

Depth
C+

Better two-deep than the portal rank implies; OL/DL depth is solid more than explosive

Market odds

To Win ACC
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 7.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #14 37 commits · 224.93 pts
Portal #16 16 commits· avg 84.64

Roster notes

Leading story

Heintschel-led offense; Narduzzi 4-3 continuity on defense

Offense

QB Mason Heintschel; RBs Ja’Kyrian Turner / La’Vell Wright; WRs Malik Knight, Cataurus Hicks, Bryce Yates; TE Carson Kent; portal OL (Kendall Stanley, Keylen Davis, Ryan Carretta, BJ Williams, Ryan Baer)

Defense

Isaiah Neal / Nick James / Sean FitzSimmons / Jimmy Scott; Alex Sanford / Braylan Lovelace / Cameron Lindsey; Shadarian Harrison, Raion Strader, Josh Guerrier, Cruce Brookins

Key offense

  1. 01
    Mason Heintschel QB
    Returning
    • True-freshman 2025 (incl. bowl): 201/316, 2,354 yds, 16 TD, 8 INT
    • 6–3 as starter
  2. 02
    Ja’Kyrian Turner RB
    Returning
    • 2025 (regular season): 140 carries, 745 yds, 7 rushing TD plus 25 receptions, 150 yds
  3. 03
    Cataurus Hicks WR/KR
    Returning
    • 2025 (regular season): 24 receptions, 422 yds, 4 TD, 17.6 YPC

Key defense

  1. 01
    Braylan Lovelace MLB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 80 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 INT
  2. 02
    Cruce Brookins FS
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 53 tackles in 10 games
  3. 03
    Jimmy Scott RDE
    Returning
    • 2025 (regular season): 18 tackles, 8.0 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 9 QBH