Pitt true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel put forth an unforgettable first college start Saturday, slicing up Boston College and throwing four touchdowns in the Panthers’ 48-7 blowout.

Unsurprisingly, his efforts were rewarded with ACC Rookie of the Week honors, announced by the league Monday afternoon.

Heintschel, who completed 73% (30 for 41) of his passes for 323 yards, became the first true freshman quarterback at Pitt to win his first career start since Kenny Pickett in 2017, who defeated No. 2 Miami.

He also became the first ACC true freshman with 300 passing yards and four touchdowns in his first career start since Deshaun Watson in 2014.

Also, not since at least 1995 had a Pitt freshman thrown for 300 yards and four touchdowns in a game without an interception.

The last Pitt quarterback to do so overall was Kenny Pickett in 2021 against Georgia Tech.

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