Pitt football notebook: Mason Heintschel stays atop QB depth chart, while Eli Holstein adjusts to new role

Pitt’s weekly two-deep depth chart, released every Monday around noon, is always interesting to observe but not worth putting too much stock into the document.

To be sure, there can be interesting developments.

But there are also quirks such as defensive end Jaeden Moore, who began the season with an injury and hasn’t yet suited up, still being listed as one of Pitt’s primary backups at defensive end.

One major alteration as Pitt (3-2, 1-1 ACC) begins preparation for No. 25 Florida State (3-1, 0-2) on Saturday is Mason Heintschel’s name appearing atop the quarterbacks.

“Obviously, (offensive coordinator) Kade (Bell) and I had some conversations and we’ll keep those personal, but there’s a lot that goes into a decision like that; it’s a hard decision to make,” coach Pat Narduzzi said Monday.

Narduzzi turning to a freshman quarterback and pulling the plug on the struggling but talented Eli Holstein was undoubtedly a momentous call.

But because Heintschel performed so well against Boston College, it’s possible he could be capable of turning around Pitt’s season following a disappointing start.

That said, Heintschel, who threw for 323 yards and four scores versus the Eagles on Saturday, has made just one start.

A tougher customer and a hostile environment in Tallahassee await, with Heintschel needing to rise to meet new challenges.

“We’ll find out this weekend,” Narduzzi said. “First-time starter last week in a college atmosphere. Now it’s going to be an angry, enthusiastic crowd down there in Tallahassee. … It’s not going to be how he handles it, it’s going to be how we handle it.”

Ultimately, Pitt recruited Heintschel for a reason.

Few probably would have anticipated him supplanting Holstein so soon into his collegiate career, as well as looking so sharp from the jump.

But Narduzzi, who sees far more of Heintschel in practice, scrimmages and behind closed doors, believes his new quarterback has the necessary skill set to be successful outside of just one week.

“Intelligence and preparation are probably some of the key ingredients,” Narduzzi said. “He’s got a quick release, he knows where to go with the ball and he’s got a good pre-snap idea of what’s going on.”

Holstein’s new role

So, where does all of this leave Holstein?

For now, he will continue on as Heintschel’s backup, with Cole Gonzales relegated to QB3.

Narduzzi said after Pitt’s loss to Louisville, in which Gonzales took over during the fourth quarter, that Holstein was a good sport about being pulled.

Now, Holstein must adjust to life as a backup.

“Eli’s in a good place,” Narduzzi said. “Nobody’s happy, including myself. It’s something you don’t want to ever have to do, but it’s part of the game of football. Doesn’t matter if you’re a corner, safety, linebacker, quarterback or a running back — there’s adversity that hits. (Holstein) has dealt with adversity well, and he’ll have to continue because we’re going to need him.”

Narduzzi did give Holstein some snaps late in the Panthers’ blowout over Boston College, where he went 2 of 4 for 8 yards, rushing twice for 14 more.

If Narduzzi is concerned about the transfer portal tempting Holstein, a player in whom Pitt has made significant NIL investments, he kept those thoughts to himself Monday.

Regardless of Holstein’s role or place on the depth chart moving forward, one constant is Narduzzi’s respect for his abilities.

“It was a hard decision to make when you look at Eli as a 7-1 starter a year ago,” Narduzzi said. “He’s 7-0 as a starter that finishes a game. I think his one loss was Louisville, when he had two drives (before leaving with an injury). There’s a ton of talent there and a ton of faith in Eli. But sometimes you get in a rut.”

P4 skid ends

Pitt’s win over Boston College last weekend ended a two-game skid for the Panthers, but also, a more unfortunate streak that dated to Oct. 24, 2024.

For the first time in nearly a year, Pitt defeated a Power Four opponent.

Having failed against West Virginia and Louisville this year, that extended the Panthers’ losing streak against such competition to seven, as Pitt lost consecutively last year to SMU, Virginia, Clemson, Louisville and Boston College to conclude the regular season.

Does Narduzzi feel like he got a monkey off his back?

“Not really,” Narduzzi said. “We were close to getting a few last year at the end of the year, and we didn’t finish for whatever reason — and there’s multiple reasons. But I didn’t see any monkey on my back. I didn’t see if he was there or not, but I got him off a long time ago if I could.”

Kickoff time announced

Pitt’s Oct. 18 game at Syracuse will kick off at 7:30 p.m. from the JMA Wireless Dome and be broadcast on ACC Network, the league announced Monday morning.