PITTSBURGH — The Pitt Panthers have received a commitment from Class of 2026 offensive tackle Sean Franklin from Mars, Pa., he announced on Jan. 29. Last season, Franklin was part of an offensive line that helped lead Mars to an 8-3 overall record and a 4-1 conference record. Freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel was sacked the seventh-most times of all starting quarterbacks last season, despite starting in just nine games. He was taken down 34 times in the backfield and was pressured 149 times, according to Pro Football Focus . Starting tackle Jeff Persi and starting center Lyndon Cooper will not return in 2026, leaving two clear position battles heading into 2026.