The Pittsburgh Football Podcast

By Chris Gates | The Pittsburgh Football Podcast

Heading into the 2026 season, I think it’s fair to say the biggest reason for cautious optimism around Pitt football is the offense.

Now, that doesn’t mean I think it’s a finished product. (Far from it.)

There are still some legitimate question marks. But if you’re looking for the biggest reason to believe Pitt can improve on last year’s 8-4 regular season, it starts with what should be a more experienced, more mature offensive unit.

And it all begins with Mason Heintschel.

Everything Starts With Mason Heintschel

This offense goes as far as Mason Heintschel takes it.

That’s not a knock on anyone else. That’s just college football.

If you’ve watched the sport long enough, you know that when you pair a really good quarterback with a really good defense, you’re usually talking about a team capable of winning nine or more games.

Pitt has the chance to become that kind of team.

Last season, Heintschel was thrown into a difficult situation as a true freshman after the quarterback position unexpectedly changed. There were moments where he looked outstanding. There were also moments where he looked exactly like what he was — a freshman learning on the fly.

He made spectacular plays.

He also lived on the edge.

Think back to the Florida State game. Everyone remembers the incredible touchdown throw while scrambling to his left and firing back across his body.

It was an unbelievable highlight.

It was also probably a throw you don’t want your quarterback making 10 times a game.

That’s the next step I’m looking for in 2026.

The explosive plays are already there. Now I want to see better decision-making, fewer turnovers, fewer fumbles, and more consistency from week to week.

The encouraging part is that everything coming out of the offseason suggests that’s exactly what Pitt has been working on. Heintschel has another year in Kade Bell’s system, he’s reportedly become more vocal as a leader, and the coaching staff has emphasized getting the ball out of his hands quicker.

That’s a recipe that should naturally lead to a more efficient offense.

The Offensive Line Has To Hold Up

One thing working in Pitt’s favor is experience.

The projected starting offensive line is filled with older players, several of whom have been in the program for years.

In today’s version of college football, that matters.

Older teams tend to win.

If Pitt can keep Ryan Baer, Netinho Olivieri, Kendall Stanley, B.J. Williams and the rest of the starting group healthy, I think they’ll be solid enough to give Heinzel the protection he needs.

The concern comes after that.

The depth simply isn’t what it used to be.

That’s true across much of college football now, especially for programs like Pitt. Between the transfer portal and NIL, very few non-blue blood teams have quality second-team offensive linemen ready to step in.

If the starters stay healthy, Pitt should be fine.

If injuries pile up, things could get shaky in a hurry.

We saw exactly how that played out late last season.

Ja’Kyrian Turner Gives Pitt A True No. 1 Running Back

Another reason for optimism is the running game.

Ja’Kyrian Turner emerged late last season and established himself as Pitt’s top back. He looks capable of handling that role for an entire season.

Behind him, Pitt also has more depth than it did a year ago, with players like La’Vell Wright providing additional options.

A productive running game would make life dramatically easier for Heintschel.

If Pitt can consistently run the football, it opens up play-action, slows down opposing pass rushes and prevents Heintschel from feeling like he has to make every big play himself.

That balance is something the offense lacked at times last season.

The Biggest Question Is Wide Receiver

If there’s one area that keeps me from feeling completely sold on this offense, it’s the receiving corps.

Simply put…

Who becomes the go-to target?

Censere Lee returns, but injuries have been part of his career.

Malik Knight arrives from Western Carolina with intriguing size and potential.

Blue Hicks flashed big-play ability last season, but still feels more like a complementary receiver than someone who consistently carries the passing game.

Early reports from training camp have also mentioned players like Tony Kinsler and Bryce Yates beginning to emerge.

Somebody is going to have to separate themselves.

Ideally, I’d love to see Censere Lee develop into a legitimate No. 1 receiver, Malik Knight establish himself as a strong No. 2 option, and Blue Hicks slide comfortably into a No. 3 role where his explosiveness becomes even more dangerous.

Can that happen?

Maybe.

Right now, it’s simply the biggest unknown on the offense.

Why I’m Optimistic?

This entire offense comes back to one phrase I’ve used over and over again:

The next logical step.

That’s what I expect from this group.

Sophomores like Mason Heintschel and Ja’Kyrian Turner should improve because that’s what young players typically do. The offensive line should be steadier because it’s older and more experienced. The offense as a whole should be more comfortable in Kade Bell’s system after another offseason together.

Nothing about that feels unrealistic.

There are still legitimate concerns — receiver depth, offensive line health, and overall consistency — but there’s also a lot to like.

If Mason Heintschel takes the next logical step in his development, I think Pitt’s offense has every opportunity to be one of the biggest reasons this team improves in 2026.

And if that happens, Pitt won’t just be hoping to reach another bowl game.

They’ll be in position to compete for nine wins — and maybe even more.