As the 2026 college football season approaches, the Pittsburgh Panthers are preparing for a challenging matchup against the Louisville Cardinals on November 21. The Panthers finished the 2025 season with an 8-5 record, highlighted by a five-game winning streak under head coach Pat Narduzzi. Quarterback Mason Heintschel emerged as a key player, amassing 2,354 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. However, the Panthers face significant challenges, particularly in their offensive line, which allowed an average of 3.38 sacks per game, ranking 128th in the FBS. Despite losing top receivers Raphael Williams and Kenny Johnson, Heintschel will have returning weapons like Cataurus Hicks and new addition Malik Knight to help bolster the passing game. Defensively, the Panthers ranked 32nd in total defense but will need to address weaknesses in their secondary, which allowed 235.3 passing yards per game. With a mix of returning talent and new players, Pitt aims to make a strong impact in the upcoming season.