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The Pitt Panthers own a rich tradition of football that began in 1890. The Panthers have won nine National Championships and many of the greatest players in the history of the game began their journey at Pitt.
The program has produced 100 First Team All-Americans, 26 members in the College Football Hall of Fame, and 11 legends that have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with more to follow in the near future.
NGSC Sports is home to the ultimate Pitt GameDay Guide, the most comprehensive game preview on the planet, where fans come to find everything there is to know about Pitt and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation) brings you inside the locker-room for both teams, with a game story, score prediction, game day & broadcast information, and a complete breakdown of each team’s offense and defense.
Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff. The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
PANTHERS SET FOR FIRST ROAD TEST OF THE SEASON VS HOKIES
The 2026 Pitt Panthers have yet to earn any respect despite a 4-0 start.
The Panthers began the season by dismantling Miami (Ohio) 59-14. That Redhawks squad was picked to finish 2nd only to Western Michigan, the same team that was robbed of a victory over Michigan in the Big House.
They defeated UCF (of the Big 12) 12-7 on a rainy afternoon at home. UCF is 3-1 for the year.
In the 3rd week, Pitt opened up ACC play against Syracuse, and despite a below average game by Mason Heintschel, the Panthers still won comfortably 27-13.
Last week was a 59-0 beat down of Bucknell.
This Friday night brings Pitt to their first road test, as they visit the undefeated Virginia Tech Hokies (4-0) at Lane Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM on ESPN.
It is only the 3rd time in history that two Power Conference teams are both 4-0 and unranked at the time of playing each other. It’s ridiculous that only two ACC teams (Miami and SMU) are ranked while the SEC has ten.
Despite the snub, the Panthers are solely focused on taking down the Hokies in a hostile environment.
“We’re just going into somebody else’s house and trying to put on a show,” Panthers defensive end Jimmy Scott said. “I love playing at home, but those road wins are harder to come by, especially the environment down there in Blacksburg. I played there in ’23. Didn’t really know what to expect — it was my first year traveling — but now I definitely know what the vibes are. Definitely excited to go down there Friday night.”
The Hokies are now coached by James Franklin, formerly of Penn State. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi had nothing but good to say about Franklin despite their rivalry from being in-state coaches prior to Franklin being fired.
“James Franklin obviously does a great job,” said Narduzzi. “Got a ton of respect for him. Just a great guy. It’s fun to have him. You get to know people in a different way in ACC meetings and coaches’ meetings. But a ton of respect. Great coach.”
Narduzzi singled out one player from VaTech that has caught his attention.
“The Overton kid — the tailback, No. 16 — is really fast,” Narduzzi said. “They’ve been leaning on him lately.”
That would be Jeffrey Overton Jr., who has rushed for 409 yards and four touchdowns, despite being listed as the #2 running back on the Hokies roster. He also has 10 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown.
Marcellous Hawkins is the starter, and has rushed for 206 yards and four touchdowns.
Ethan Grunkemeyer is the starting quarterback. He’s passed for 1,012 yards with eight touchdowns, no interceptions, and six sacks. Despite having -9 yards rushing, he has two touchdowns on the ground.
Que’Sean Brown is the team’s leading wide receiver with 26 catches for 224 yards and a score. Ayden Greene has eight receptions for 125 yards. Davion Brown has eight receptions for 95 yards. Tyseer Denmark has five catches for 59 yards. Marlion Jackson has contributed four receptions for 47 yards and one TD.
Tight end Luke Reynolds is the team leader with 30 catches for 280 yards and four touchdowns.
Virginia Tech is averaging 43.3 points a game, while giving up 16 points defensively.
Offensively for Pitt, quarterback Mason Heintschel has passed for 1,191 yards, 13 touchdowns and just one interception. He’s rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown, while being sacked only four times.
The Panthers have has exceptional depth at wide receiver with Malik Knight, Blue Hicks, Censere Lee, Bryce Yates, Tony Kinsler, Tyreek Robinson, Demetrice McCray and Cam Sapp.
Knight is out with an injury. Hicks has caught 12 passes for 252 yards and a TD. Lee has 13 receptions for 160 yards and a team leading four touchdowns. Yates has 13 catches for 193 yards and a trip to the end zone. Kinsler has added four receptions for 39 yards. Robinson has five catches for 78 yards and a score. Demetrice McCray, aka Meat Shop, was unleashed last week, and now has five receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
Tight end end Carson Kent has 11 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown, while Elijah Lagg has seven receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown.
Ja’Kyrian “Boosie” Turner, who hasn’t played since the opening game, has 39 yards on the ground, but has also caught four passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. La’Vell Wright and Damon Ferguson, Jr. have stepped up in Turner’s absence. Wright has rushed for 141 yards and a touchdown. Ferguson has a team leading 239 yards rushing, with two touchdowns, adding 10 receptions for 73 yards and another TD.
Justin Cook, Synkwan Smith, and Jaylin Brown have all made contributions when given the opportunity.
Turner is listed as probable on the injury report.
Pitt is averaging 39.9 points a game, while giving up just 8.5 PPG.
Heintschel is looking forward to the challenge of both the Hokies and the environment his Panthers will be in.
“There are times where it’s tough, but our guys do a really great job of really staying focused, locked in and not letting the crowd get to them,” Heintschel said. “I try my best to be as loud as I possibly can and communicate everything. I tend to over-communicate at times, just to make sure we’re in the right spots and staying poised and all that kind of stuff. It’s honestly exciting, too. It’s a great environment we’re going to be going into this weekend.”
Pitt will need the above average version of Heintschel for their best chances to improve to 5-0. The offensive line has been superb all season and will get a stern test from a Hokies defense that has collected 17 sacks on the year.
When Heintschel is on, it gives him a multitude of speedy options to pick apart any defense. The offense will only get better with the emergence of McCray, who had his coming out party against Bucknell.
Getting starting running back Ja’Kyrian “Boosie” Turner back will be a tremendous add to an already formidable offense. Ferguson and Wright have been superb in his absence, but especially the freshman Ferguson.
Pitt will surely continue dishing out a balanced offense that keeps the defenses guessing.
The Panther defense could get a major boost by getting safety Cruce Brookins back. He is listed as questionable as of Wednesday night.
Expect Virginia Tech to do whatever it takes to establish their rushing attack behind Hawkins, Jr. and Overton, Jr.
The problem for Virginia Tech is the fact that the Panther’s defense is only giving up 53.3 yards a game on the ground.
An unstoppable force meets an immovable object.
Grunkemeyer has had a solid season, but against Boston College, he managed just 147 yards passing, and just 4.2 yards an attempt.
Translation? BC’s pass rush was getting to him, and causing him to get rid of the ball quickly.
VaTech will be missing a key part of their offensive line, as left tackle Justin Terry is out.
So you can bet Narduzzi will be dialing up some defenses to keep the pressure on Grunkemeyer.
It would behoove the Panthers to cut down on the stupid penalties, as well. Last week against Bucknell, they racked up 16 penalties for 165 yards.
Top to bottom, Pitt is better, with tremendous team speed, and for once, depth at key positions.
Maryland’s Malik Washington burned the Hokies for 359 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Can’t see why Heintschel can’t duplicate or better those numbers if called upon to do so.
Lane Stadium will be rocking Friday night when Enter Sandman comes on, but by the end of this game, that crowd will go quiet, and it will be the Panthers who put the Hokies to sleep and remain undefeated.
Game Prediction: Pitt 31 Virginia Tech 17
GameDay Information
Week 5: Pitt Panthers (4-0) at Virginia Tech Hokies (4-0)
Game-time: Friday, October 2nd, at 7:00 PM.
Venue: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA.
- Field: Latitude 36 Bermudagrass
Vegas line: Virginia Tech -3.5
Weather at kickoff: 78 and cloudy. Winds out of the West at 5-10 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN (Xfinity: Channel 850 | Dish: 140 | DirecTV: 2o6)
- Announcers: Mike Monaco (play-by-play) Jordan Rodgers (analyst) | Dana Boyle (sideline reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | Dorin Dickerson (sideline reporter)
National Radio: N/A
- Announcers:
Alternative Broadcasts
- Online Radio: www.audacy.com/stations/937thefan
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM channels 169
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 4-0 | ACC Record: 1-0 | Rankings: N/R
Previous Game: Pitt 59 Bucknell 0
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 12th Season with Pitt
Lifetime Record: 84-61
Bowl Record: 2-6
ACC Division Titles: 2
ACC Championships: 1
Pitt Team Links
Pitt Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Kade Bell
Offensive System: Up-Tempo Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 39.3
- Total offense yards per game: 523.8
- Passing yards per game: 347.3
- Rushing yards per game: 176.5
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Mason Heintschel | #6 | 6’2, 215 | SO
Passing Yards: 1,191 | TD Passes: 13 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 4
Rushing Yards: 110 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Holden Geriner | #15 | 6’3, 215 | 5th Year
Passing Yards: 141 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 20 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Ja’Kyrian “Boosie” Turner | #9 | 5’9, 195 | SO
Rushing Yards: 39 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 69 | Receiving TD’s: 1
RB#2: La’Vell Wright | #11 | 5’11, 215 | Grad Transfer
Rushing Yards: 141 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 33 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OR
Damon Ferguson, Jr. | #26 | 5’11, 190 | FR
Rushing Yards: 239 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 73 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Depth Backs
Justin Cook | #5 | 5’10, 175 | SR
Rushing Yards: 73 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Synkwan Smith | #20 | 5’7, 185 | SO
Rushing Yards: 47 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 14 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylin Brown | #27 | 5’10, 210 | SO
Rushing Yards: 41 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 16 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
X Split End Starter: Malik Knight* | #7 | 6’1, 185 | 5th Year
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 73 | Receiving TD’s: 1
OR
Tony Kinsler | #2 | 5’11, 175 | SO
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 39 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Z Flanker Starter: Censere Lee | #10 | 5’11, 170 | SR
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 160 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Z Flanker Starter: Cataurus “Blue” Hicks | #3 | 5’10, 185 | SR
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 250 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Y Slot: Bryce Yates | #80 | 6’0, 185 | SO
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 193 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Z Flanker: Tyreek Robinson | #24 | 5’10, 180 | JR
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 78 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rushing Yards: 2 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Z Flanker: Demetrice McCray | #87 | 6’0, 205 | FR
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 97 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Y Slot: Cam Sapp | #84 | 5’10, 175 | SO
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Carson Kent | #86 | 6’4, 250 | 5th Year
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 154 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TE#2: Elijah Lagg | #17 | 6’2, 235 | SR
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 76 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TE#3: Max Hunt | #18 | 6’4, 225 | SO
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
PLACEKICKER
Antonio Chadha | #48 | 5th Year
Extra Points: 18-18
Field Goals: 5-5
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 1-1
- 50+ yards: 1-1
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Nerinho Olivieri | #74 | 6’4, 310 | 5th Year
LG: Kendall Stanley | #53 | 6’5, 305 | 5th Year
C: Ryan Carretta | #71 | 6’5, 320 | SR
RG: B.J. Williams | #55 | 6’4, 320 | SR
RT: Ryan Baer | #70 | 6’7, 325 | 5th Year
Pitt Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Cory Sanders
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 8.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 244.5
- Passing yards allowed: 191.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 53.3
- Sacks: 9
- Interceptions: 3
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Isaiah Neal | #2 | 6’2, 250 | 5th Year
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 1
OR Zach Crothers | #5 | 6’4, 265 | JR
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0
LDT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55 | 6’3, 300 | 5th Year
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 1
RDT: Nick James | #11 | 6’2, 295 | 5th Year
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 1
RDE: Jimmy Scott | #44 | 6’3, 265 | 5th Year
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 1
OR
Jaeden Moore | #8 | 6’4, 250 | SR
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0.5
LINEBACKERS
STAR: Braylan Lovelace | #0 | 6’2, 225 | SR
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
MIKE: Jeremiah Marcelin | #32 | 6’2, 235 | JR
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0.5 | INT: 0
MONEY: Alex Sanford, Jr. | #10 | 6’1, 235 | SR
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
CB: Shawn Lee, Jr. | #3 | 5’10, 180 | SO
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Cruce Brookins | #12 | 6’2, 205 | SR
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Josh Guerrier | #14 | 5’10, 185 | SO
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Raion Strader | #6 | 6’0, 190 | SO
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
*Injured/Out
Scouting the Virginia Tech Hokies
Overall Record: 4-0 | ACC Conference Record: 0-0 | Rankings: N/R
Previous Game: Virginia Tech 21 Boston College 14
Head Coach: James Franklin
- 1st season at VaTech
Lifetime Record: 132-60 | 4-0 at VaTech
Links
Virginia Tech Offense
Offensive System: Multiple
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 43.3
- Total offense yards per game: 462.5
- Passing yards per game: 284.8
- Rushing yards per game: 177.8
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Ethan Grunkemeyer | #17 | 6’2, 213
Passing Yards: 1,012 | TD Passes: 8 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 6
Rushing Yards: -9 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Back-up: Bryce Baker | #22
Passing Yards: 127 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: 21 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
RB#1: Marcellous Hawkins | #27 | 5’10, 221
Rushing Yards: 206 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 33 | Receiving TD’s: 0
RB#2: Jeffrey Overton | #16 | 5’9, 206
Rushing Yards: 409 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 114 | Receiving TD’s: 1
RB#3: Messiah Mickens | #26 | 5’10, 205
Rushing Yards: 34 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
RB#4: Tyler Mason | #23 | 5’10, 212
Rushing Yards: 16 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
WR#1: Que’Sean Brown | #3 | 5’8, 175
Receptions: 26 | Receiving Yards: 224 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WR#2: Davion Brown | #11 | 6’1, 204
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 95 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#3: Ayden Greene | #0 | 6’1, 193
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 125 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#4: Tyseer Denmark | #19 | 5’10, 180
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 59 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#5: Marlion Jackson | #5 | 6’2, 210
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 47 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WR#6: Chanz Wiggins | #7 | 6’2, 196
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 40 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WR#7: A.J. Brand | #18 | 6’1, 214
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 5 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
TE#1: Luke Reynolds | #85 | 6’4, 250
Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 280 | Receiving TD’s: 4
TE#2: Ja’Ricous Hairston | #13 | 6’2, 256
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 70 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TE#3: Benji Gosnell | #82 | 6’4, 252
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 0
PLACEKICKER
John Love | #17
Extra Points: 10-10
Field Goals: 1-1
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-0
Virginia Tech Defense
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 16
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 269.3
- Passing yards allowed: 186
- Rushing yards allowed: 115.5
- Sacks: 17
- Interceptions: 1
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Cortez Harris | #37
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
DT: Elhadj Fall | #94
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0
DT: Kemari Copeland | #13
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
RDE: Aycen Stevens | #42
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Keon Wylie | #33
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0.5
MLB: Noah Chambers | #16
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0
SLB: Kaleb Spencer | #3
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Jaquez White | #2
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Quentin Reddish | #0
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Tyson Flowers | #11
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
RCB: Joshua Clarke | #5
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NB: Isaiah Brown-Murray | #9
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
*Injured/Out
Pitt vs Virginia Tech History
Series Began: 1993
Overall Record: 11-12
- At Home: 8-4
- On Road: 3-8
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: 6-5
Streak: (1) VaTech won the last game.
Last Game: Sept. 30th, 2023 (VaTech 38 Pitt 21)
Injury Report (9/30/2026)
Pitt Schedule (4-0)
ACC Standings
Author Profile
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
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