Pitt Panthers are set to headline the 2026 ACC Kickoff, a preseason event that has become a barometer for the conference’s storylines and a glimpse into what each team hopes to achieve when the new season officially begins.
Key Storylines Shaping the 2026 Campaign
At the center of the excitement is sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel, who burst onto the scene as a true freshman with a 400‑yard passing performance against NC State and a 400‑yard game that placed him in the same conversation as Kenny Pickett.
Heintschel’s full offseason as the unquestioned starter promises continuity for a receiving corps in flux, giving the offense a solid foundation heading into the new year and allowing the coaching staff to build around his playmaking instincts.
Linebacker Braylan Lovelace, a senior defensive stalwart, brings a résumé that includes 80 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a 100‑yard pick‑six that helped Pitt secure a ranked road win at Georgia Tech.
Lovelace’s preseason accolades — Athlon Sports and Phil Steele first‑team All‑ACC honors — underscore his impact and set a high bar for the defense to maintain its playmaking tempo.
The offensive line, battered by injuries in recent seasons, has been the focus of an offseason overhaul aimed at durability and depth, with the goal of protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for a revitalized rushing attack.
Returning right‑side anchors Ryan Baer and BJ Williams, both preseason All‑ACC selections, will be joined by Ryan Carretta, who is slated to take over at center after a versatile stint at left guard, and newcomers Netinho Olivieri and Keylen Davis, who arrived from Penn and Akron respectively.
Olivieri, a two‑time First Team All‑Ivy League tackle, and Davis, a Third Team All‑MAC pick who helped his previous team eclipse 4,200 yards of offense, are expected to bolster the line’s interior and add experience to a unit that has been rebuilding its identity.
Coach Pat Narduzzi, now in his 12th year, has emphasized that the combination of experience at quarterback, playmaking at linebacker and a fortified line creates a balanced attack that could make Pitt a contender in the ACC and keep the Panthers competitive for a conference championship.