Kade Bell distinctly remembers when he became 100% sold on Mason Heintschel.

It was following a spring practice in 2024 when the Panthers hosted Heintschel, then approaching his senior season at Clay High School in Oregon, Ohio.

Heintschel, despite attracting zero Power Four offers besides Pitt, stuck out to Bell on film. Once the young quarterback met with Pitt’s offensive coordinator, Bell knew he had struck gold on a player who was talented physically but also mature and sharp mentally.

“Watching him sit in there, answer questions and want to talk football — we were in there for five or six hours just watching film and talking ball,” Bell said. “That’s when I knew he was the guy I wanted. Obviously, we took his commitment really early for not a highly rated kid. … As soon as he wanted to commit, we were like, ‘Heck yeah, I want you.’ ”

Judging solely by Heintschel’s recruiting ranks and the interest (or lack of) shown in him by other programs, it might have appeared to be a risky decision by Pitt. But Bell trusted what his eyes told him in watching Heintschel’s on-field abilities, with a strong in-person impression making it all the easier to sign him.

“I don’t care about stars, what offers you have — in our staff room, we don’t talk about that at all,” Bell said. “… For us, we didn’t care that he didn’t have big offers. When it came down to it, we watched his film and we loved him. He fit what we wanted to do, and he was the type of guy we were looking for. We loved him.”

Whatever procuring Heintschel’s services could accurately be described as — a gamble, out-recruiting the competition, etc. — it’s the overarching reason No. 23 Pitt (7-2, 5-1 ACC) is in the hunt for an ACC title game appearance and the College Football Playoff entering Saturday’s contest against No. 9 Notre Dame (7-2).

Since Heintschel replaced Eli Holstein as starting quarterback Oct. 4 against Boston College, Pitt has gone 5-0, resuscitating a season that was on the ropes after a 2-2 start.

Over that span, Heintschel’s teammates have observed an 18-year-old player who hasn’t yet encountered a moment too big.

That’s about to be put to the test Saturday, as ESPN’s “College GameDay” descends on Pittsburgh and a sellout crowd prepares to pack Acrisure Stadium.

But Heintschel’s body of work at Pitt, from arriving in January as an early enrollee, to going through the spring and summer as third-string quarterback, to now cradling the long-term prospects of the Panthers in his hands, continues to generate confidence from around the locker room.

“He’s a natural-born leader,” offensive lineman Ryan Baer said. “Ever since he got here, being in the huddle with him, he doesn’t stutter. He’s ready. He knows he belongs there, which is rare as a young guy. You don’t see any worry in him. He doesn’t let the lights get too bright. He’s special.

“He’s handled it like a pro. It hasn’t gotten too big for him, he’s done his interviews — he’s Mason. He came in as a leader, he’s still a leader. He’s a different cat than most freshmen are.”

Added receiver Kenny Johnson: “I’ve never played with such a detailed player. He’s just a detailed guy in everything he does. (Watching) film, he’s detailed. On the field, he’s detailed. He’s a perfectionist. We go out, we put up 50 points, and he’s upset we didn’t put up 70 or 80, which is great to see from a young guy.”

Heintschel holds himself to the same high standard as Pitt’s offense overall.

Twelve touchdowns in six games, a 64.1% completion rate (118 for 184) and 1,547 yards through the air by Heintschel have been cause for celebration as Pitt reaches the most critical juncture of its season.

But five interceptions, five fumbles (two lost) and some missed throws over the last month-and-a-half have left Heintschel wanting to be even better.

“I think there are times when I have those freshman moments, and that’s the time I’m hardest on myself, because I expect better of myself and want to put myself in the best possible position to succeed,” Heintschel said. “There are times where it’s shown that I am a freshman, but I try to move past that and try to outgrow those things to get better every week.”

When it has come to reviving Pitt’s aspirations and taking care of middling opponents, Heintschel has proven he’s the man for the job.

Starting Saturday, it’ll come time to handle business against a far tougher breed of opponent.

As Pitt prepares to take the field against Notre Dame, confidence in Heintschel is at a high.

“One thing with him, he’s a mature pro,” Bell said. “I’m going to be honest with you — I’ve been around and played the game, and I wasn’t nearly as mature as he is at his age. Been around it my whole life with my dad, seen a bunch of different quarterbacks and different teams — I’ve never been around a true freshman that prepares like an NFL 10-year vet. He really does.

“He prepares like he’s playing for the Steelers. He wants it, and he wants to get better and learn. … He’s never satisfied.”

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