Pitt Football Begins Training Camp as Three Players Face Legal Charges

Coach Pat Narduzzi opened his twelfth season at the University of Pittsburgh on the first day of fall camp, with sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel returning to lead the offense. The Panthers, who finished 8‑5 last season, started practice while the program’s off‑field streak was broken.

Three players – wide receiver Blue Hicks and defensive backs Tyreek Robinson and Zion Ferguson – were charged with a total of 24 offenses after a June 16 dirt‑bike chase with police in Oakland. Narduzzi said he is disappointed but will let the legal process run its course, noting that the athletes remain on the practice roster while disciplinary decisions are pending. Some charges against Robinson and Ferguson have been dropped; Hicks still faces felony and misdemeanor counts. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for August and September.