Pittsburgh Panthers Prepare for 2026 Season

The Pittsburgh Panthers finished the 2025 season with eight victories after falling to East Carolina in the Military Bowl.

Their nonconference schedule begins with home games against Miami (Ohio) and UCF on September 5, 2026.

What happened last season?

The Panthers won five straight games to move into the rankings and challenge for the league title.

A loss to Notre Dame didn’t dampen the mood, and a win at Georgia Tech made the finale against Miami a must-see.

The series with Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh haven’t played in the last two seasons after meeting in 11 straight seasons following the Panthers’ arrival in the ACC in 2013.

The Panthers are 6-5 against the Hokies in ACC play, but Tech is 4-2 during that stretch in Blacksburg.

What’s new with the Panthers?

Pat Narduzzi lost one of his most trusted assistant coaches at the end of last season when Randy Bates announced his retirement.

Cory Sanders was elevated to defensive coordinator, and Harlon Bennett was brought in to be the assistant head coach and safeties coach.

The Panthers open the 2026 season with four straight home games and play seven times at Acrisure Stadium.

Mason Heintschel will lead the offense after throwing for 2,354 yards, 16 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on 63.6% passing last season.

Tailback Ja’Kyrian Turner will be a focal point of the offense, and Western Carolina transfer Malik Knight could become Heintschel’s top option.

Tyreek Robinson is back from injury and will likely be slotted in as a kickoff returner.

The Panthers will face Miami (OH) RedHawks on September 5, 2026, in their first game of the season.