Pitt has landed its quarterback in the class of 2025 — way ahead of pace compared to either of the past two seasons.
Mason Heintschel — a 6-foot-2, 200-pound three-star quarterback from Clay High in Oregon, Ohio — officially committed to Pitt Sunday, confirming the Pat Signal by Pat Narduzzi Saturday night.
Heintschel committed to Pitt over offers from Akron, Bowling Green, Coastal Carolina, Kent State, Liberty, Ohio and Toledo, and it comes following a recent visit to the South Side facilities to check out the program in person for the first time.
“The visit was awesome,” he told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “The entire staff was very welcoming right from the get-go, and I really enjoyed my time.”
Pitt extended Heinstchel his first Power Four offer back on Feb. 9, and it was an effort spearheaded by Archie Collins. And it’s a relationship that was further by a strong bond built with Kade Bell — an instant connection that has been in communication every day.
The visit itself, checking out the facilities and spending time with the coaching staff, is what made Heintschel confident enough to put his trust in the Panthers.
“We got to tour the facilities and campus for a little while, which was really great to see, and then got to watch practice. Practice was really intense and was very fun to be around,” Heintschel said.
“The biggest thing that stands out with Pitt is the fact that they are so connected with the Steelers. I got that vibe even with my first time being there that it was a very professional way they do things there and there’s something to be said for that.”
The rising signal-caller may not have been expecting to commit so soon, but he fell in love with Pitt early. And now he’s looking forward to bringing his game to Pittsburgh as quickly as possible.
“My game has a lot to do with my ability to improvise and do things off script. I think I’m able to make plays with my arm, but also with my feet, and that’s a big thing in today’s game for quarterbacks.”
Heintschel carried Clay High as a junior, racking up over 3,000 yards of total offense and 33 touchdowns, and it’s his versatile skillset that attracted the Pitt coaching staff. He’s a tailor-made fit in the new offensive scheme.
247Sports rates Heintschel as the 991st-ranked recruit in the class (58th-ranked quarterback and 48th-ranked recruit from Ohio) while On3 rates him as the 768th-ranked recruit in the class (52nd-ranked quarterback and 27th-ranked recruit from Ohio).
Heintschel is the second commitment in the class of 2025, following three-star defensive lineman Trevor Sommers (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), and it’s not unlikely that a couple more soon join the class this spring.
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