⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Pick/market: Here were my biggest takeaways from Pitt's first released depth chart of the season.

- Mason Heintschel will open 2026 as Pitt's starting quarterback, with experienced redshirt senior Holden Geriner as the backup and freshman Corey Dailey positioned as a developmental name to monitor. - Summer arrival Damon Ferguson has progressed rapidly enough to receive an OR designation as the No. 2 running back behind Ja'Kyrian Turner. - Censere Lee and Blue Hicks hold two starting receiver spots, while Malik Knight and Tony Kinsler remain in an OR competition for the third. - Both Pitt defensive-end jobs carry OR designations between Isaiah Neal and Zach Crothers and between Jimmy Scott and Jaeden Moore, with all four expected to play extensively. - Raion Strader and Shawn Lee will start at cornerback, while Cruce Brookins and Josh Guerrier start at safety ahead of an inexperienced second unit.

- New coordinator Cory Sanders said Pitt's defensive identity will remain centered on stopping the run on early downs before unleashing its pass rush, with physicality, speed and first- and second-down execution as the priorities. - Pitt prepared for Miami (Ohio)'s mobile quarterback room by emphasizing pursuit angles, leverage and pad level because the projected starter has limited college film and each listed quarterback presents a rushing threat. - Sanders expressed confidence in Pitt's defensive-line depth and said the staff has tested multiple combinations, with Zach Crothers supplying size and power and J-Mo adding speed, bend and agility off the edge. - Pitt will continue using press coverage that places its corners in isolated matchups, while veteran Cruce's preparation and accountability are helping a younger secondary mature more quickly. - Sanders said Pitt quarterback Mason improved his decision-making and ball security during camp by throwing the ball away or scrambling instead of forcing passes, which contributed to fewer defensive takeaways in practice.

- Freshman Damon Ferguson turned an impressive camp into an OR listing with upperclassman transfer La'Vell Wright behind starting running back Ja'Kyrian Turner. - Malik Knight and Tony Kinsler share one starting receiver spot, while Bryce Yates is officially behind Cataurus Hicks despite working behind Censere Lee in the slot during camp. - Pitt lists returning defensive ends Isaiah Neal and Jimmy Scott as OR starters with Zach Crothers and Jaeden Moore, while freshmen Josh Pittman and Reston Lehman are the next edge options. - Pitt kept its spring-established linebacker trio intact with Jeremiah Marcelin in the middle between Braylan Lovelace and Alex Sanford. - Transfer Raion Strader is listed ahead of returning standout Shadarian Harrison at cornerback, although the report expects both to play extensively.

- Pitt teammates elected quarterback Mason Heintschel, offensive lineman Ryan Baer, linebacker Braylan Lovelace and safety Cruce Brookins as the 2026 captains. - The captain group gives Pitt designated leadership at quarterback, along the offensive line and at both second- and third-level defensive positions.

- Defensive captains Braylan Lovelace and Cruce Brookins are the anchors of Pitt's 2026 unit. Lovelace moves from middle linebacker back outside after 80 tackles in 2025 and is expected to become the defense's featured linebacker. - Brookins produced 53 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games during an injury-limited 2025. He added weight to handle his physical style over a full season, and new safeties coach Harlon Barnett already rates him among the best players he has coached at the position. - Pitt's defense noticeably missed Brookins when he was unavailable last year, making his durability a key variable for the secondary's floor. He and Lovelace are also expected to provide more vocal leadership. - Sean FitzSimmons returns with 19 starts over the past two seasons to anchor the defensive line, while Auburn transfer Raion Strader is expected to start at corner after an eye-opening offseason.

- Redshirt freshman Jordan Fields has moved from offensive tackle to tight end late in camp, giving Pitt a 6-foot-4, 265-pound blocking body who has also begun taking routes and catches in individual work. - Fields did not play in 2025, so the move is developmental rather than proof he has entered the top tight-end rotation. - The official number update also aligned key personnel for game week, including Ja'Kyrian Turner at No. 9, Malik Knight at No. 7 and Holden Geriner at No. 15.