University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Five Takeaways from Day 5 of Pitt Football Training Camp
8/10/2026 3:41:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt completed its fifth practice of training camp Monday, working in shells for the second consecutive session before full pads go on Tuesday.
The Panthers are still early in camp, but Head Coach Pat Narduzzi likes the effort and tempo he has seen as competition begins to take shape across the roster.
"Our guys are giving great effort," Narduzzi said. "We're playing hard. There has been some consistency there, and they're fun to coach."
Following practice, Narduzzi, defensive lineman Eliyt Nairne and linebacker Jeremiah Marcelin spoke with reporters at the podium. Offensive tackle Ryan Baer and quarterback Mason Heintschel appeared separately on 93.7 FM's Pomp and Joe Show.
Here are five takeaways from Day 5.
1. Competition Is Building Along the Offensive Line
The offensive line is beginning to generate some of the most notable competition of camp, particularly at left guard.
Narduzzi said Kendall Stanley has been the first option there, but Keylen Davis is making a push after a productive offseason and what the coach called his best practice of camp Sunday.
The Panthers are also developing options at tackle. The increased depth is encouraging for an offense built around giving Heintschel time to operate. On the radio, Baer said protecting the sophomore quarterback has been a central focus throughout the offseason, spring practice and the opening days of camp.
2. Pitt's Defense Wants Its Physicality to Be Unmistakable
Nairne and Marcelin used similar language to describe the identity Pitt wants on defense: effort, violence, strain and physicality.
For Nairne, stopping the run is not an added goal. It is the starting point.
"Stopping the run is the bare minimum," Nairne said. "That's what we do as a defense. We call it defense for a reason. We all fly to the ball. We're all relentless."
Marcelin was even more direct when asked what the linebackers' identity could be in 2026.
"Physical. Physical. Physical," Marcelin said. "We play linebacker. If you aren't trying to hit something, you're playing the wrong game."
3. Nairne Is Pushing His Way Up the Defensive Tackle Rotation
Nairne arrived at Pitt in January after playing in all 14 games for Tulane last season. Five practices into his first Panthers training camp, he is beginning to make a move in the defensive tackle rotation.
Narduzzi said Nairne is pushing toward the top three at the position after improving his conditioning and motor during the summer.
"You're beginning to see Eliyt creep up now," Narduzzi said. "His motor has improved. He has gotten into better shape."
4. Heintschel Is Leading with Confidence
Heintschel's confidence was evident during his freshman season, when he took over the offense and established himself as one of the country's most productive young quarterbacks. That same confidence is now shaping his role as a leader.
"I feel like carrying myself with a high confidence level, no matter what the situation is, brings other people up," Heintschel said. "I think people feed off that confidence and energy."
Heintschel said offensive coordinator Kade Bell continues to stress playing in rhythm, identifying pressure answers and taking checkdowns when defenses drop into deep coverage. But the quarterback also has the freedom to create when a play breaks down.
"There are also times when he talks to me about using a superpower. Going out and making a play, evading a free rusher and making something out of it," Heintschel said.
5. Baer Is Setting the Standard Up Front
Baer's combination of size and athleticism earned him a place on Bruce Feldman's annual "Freaks List." The 6-foot-7 right tackle said he posted a vertical jump near 30 inches, bench-pressed 435 pounds and has a squat max somewhere in the 500-pound range.
Those numbers have attracted attention, as has Baer's inclusion on the Outland Trophy watch list, but his focus remains on making life easier for Heintschel.
"We see how good that kid is when we give him time to go through his reads and make the throw," Baer said. "He's super talented."
