Virginia Tech kicker John Love missed a 36-yard field goal as time expired, allowing Pittsburgh to complete a comeback for a 35-33 victory on Oct. 2, 2026, in Blacksburg, Virginia. The narrow loss dropped the Hokies to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the ACC, while the unbeaten Panthers improved to 5-0 and 2-0 in conference play. The result marked the first time this year Pittsburgh won a game away from Acrisure Stadium.
Disputed Final Kick Sparks Debate in Blacksburg
Officials ruled the ball missed wide left.
Postgame Reactions From James Franklin and Pat Narduzzi
Virginia Tech coach James Franklin stated after the game, “We had a chance to win it at the end,” adding that “Everyone is going to focus on the last play. This isn’t coach speak, but we’re going to watch this tape and there are going to be 20 plays that we could have made to put us in a better position and not be in that situation at the end.” Meanwhile, Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi expressed frustration with national voters during his on-field interview with ESPN, urging the Associated Press Top 25 poll to recognize his unranked squad. “If they wake their ass up, they might figure that out,” Narduzzi said regarding the team’s standing. Narduzzi added, “Wow. We’ve got a hell of a football team,” and stated he hopes the country will now respect the Panthers.
Holden Geriner replaces injured quarterback to secure victory
Fifth-year senior Holden Geriner stepped off the bench to throw a touchdown pass to Cataurus Hicks, finishing out the win. Geriner, who joined Pittsburgh in January after playing at Texas State and Auburn, noted that throwing his second collegiate touchdown pass was what he had “prayed for” his whole life.
Virginia Tech built a 14-0 early lead and held a 24-21 advantage at halftime before four total turnovers derailed their momentum. The Hokies’ lead was trimmed to 24-21 just before the half after Cameron Lindsey intercepted Ethan Grunkemeyer, leading to a 22-yard touchdown pass from Heintschel to Hicks. Pittsburgh later took a 28-24 lead following a 15-yard touchdown run by Damon Ferguson Jr. and extended it to 35-24 via a 29-yard touchdown pass from Geriner to Hicks in the fourth quarter. Ja’Kyrian Turner also contributed a rushing touchdown for the Panthers.
Hokies quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for a career-high 434 yards and connected with Davion Brown for a 28-yard touchdown with 10:07 remaining to cut the lead to 35-33, but the offense could not overcome the late miscues. Virginia Tech outgained Pittsburgh 499 to 295 total yards.
Broadcast and Radio Coverage
The game aired on ESPN with Jordan Rodgers and Dana Boyle providing the call. The Virginia Tech Sports Network broadcast the game on more than 40 stations, including 105.3 FM in Blacksburg, with play-by-play from Bill Roth, color commentary by Mike Burnop, and sideline reporting from Evan Hughes.
Answers about the Virginia Tech versus Pitt game
What was the final score of the Virginia Tech versus Pitt game?
Pittsburgh defeated Virginia Tech 35-33 on Oct. 2, 2026, at Worsham Field in Blacksburg, securing their fifth win of the season.
Who replaced injured quarterback Mason Heintschel for Pittsburgh?
Holden Geriner took over under center after Heintschel sustained an injury on the fourth play of the second half, throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Cataurus Hicks.
How many passing yards did Ethan Grunkemeyer record for Virginia Tech?
Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for a career-high 434 yards and engineered a late 62-yard drive to set up the final field goal attempt.
Upcoming Schedule
Pittsburgh is scheduled to play North Carolina on Oct. 10, 2026, at noon.
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