University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Heintschel, McCray Earn Weekly Honors
9/28/2026 2:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Quarterback Mason Heintschel and wide receiver Demetrice McCray have earned weekly honors following their standout performances in the Panthers' 59-0 victory over Bucknell.
Heintschel was named one of eight Manning Award Stars of the Week, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, while McCray was selected as the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week.
Heintschel completed 29 of 37 passes (78.4%) for 403 yards and six touchdowns without an interception, becoming the first quarterback in ACC history to throw at least six touchdown passes in multiple games in a season. He is the first FBS player to accomplish the feat since C.J. Stroud and Bailey Zappe in 2021.
Heintschel led the FBS in touchdown passes and ranked second in passing yards for the week. He was the nation's only player to throw for at least 400 yards without an interception, and his 223.4 passing efficiency rating led all FBS quarterbacks with at least 30 attempts.
He directed touchdown drives on all five of Pitt's first-half possessions, throwing five scoring passes before halftime and adding his sixth in the third quarter. Heintschel added 33 rushing yards to finish with 436 yards of total offense.
McCray caught three passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first Pitt freshman with multiple touchdown receptions in a game since Tyler Boyd caught three at Duke in 2013.
His first collegiate touchdowns came on receptions of eight and 48 yards in the second quarter. The second score gave Pitt a 35-0 lead just before halftime and marked the Panthers' longest play from scrimmage.
McCray led ACC true freshmen in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches for the week. He tied for the FBS lead among true freshmen in touchdown receptions and ranked fifth in receiving yards.
The duo helped Pitt establish school records for total offense (766 yards), passing yards (574) and touchdown passes (eight). The eight touchdown passes also tied the ACC team record as the Panthers improved to 4-0.
Through four games, Heintschel has thrown 13 touchdown passes against one interception. In his two 400-yard performances this season, he has combined for 856 passing yards and 13 touchdowns without an interception.
