University of Pittsburgh sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the 2026 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award.
The national award honors college football players who demonstrate exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Heintschel is the only sophomore among this year’s 20 semifinalists and one of seven student-athletes representing the Atlantic Coast Conference. Now in its 10th year, the award is the first college football honor focused primarily on player leadership.
Off the field, Heintschel launched his “Have a Heart” campaign to support the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He created the initiative in memory of his childhood friend Lukas Mason, whose organ donations saved six lives. Through the project, Heintschel has participated in 19 community service initiatives and contributed more than 32 volunteer hours while earning a spot on the 2025-26 ACC Academic Honor Roll.
On the field, Heintschel stepped into the starting role as a true freshman in 2025, throwing for 2,354 yards and 16 touchdowns while guiding the Panthers to a 6-3 record in his starts. His performance earned him a selection as a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. In the 2026 season, he completed 98 passes for 1,304 yards and 14 touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury in Week five. Heintschel is attempting to become the second Pitt player to win the honor, following former Panthers defensive lineman Deslin Alexandre in 2022.
Presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, the award includes a $10,000 contribution in the recipient’s name to his university’s athletic scholarship fund from Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation.
Three finalists for the award will be announced Dec. 15. The winner will be revealed during a ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 11, 2027.
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