Pitt vs. Miami 2025 Recap: Hurricanes Sweep Panthers in Week 14, 38-7

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pitt Panthers and their fans had plenty of optimism heading into their final game of the year against the Miami Hurricanes. A win and some help from either Virginia Tech or Cal would have put them in the ACC championship. Unfortunately for Pitt, Miami also had everything to play for, and the Canes showed that on Saturday. They were dominant in every aspect of the game, and Malachi Toney showed why he could be the favorite for the Belintnikoff award next season. In the end, Pitt was decimated by the Hurricanes, losing 38-7 in Week 14. With that in mind, let’s dive into the Pitt vs. Miami 2025 recap.

Pitt vs. Miami 2025 College Football Recap

The first quarter started slow with the first three possessions being punts. Miami got on the board first with a 29-yard field goal near the end of the quarter. Pitt defensive back Kavir Bains-Marquez got flagged for an illegal block below the waist which put the Canes in field goal range.

On the very next possession, Panthers quarterback Mason Heintschel led a 13-play, 75-yard drive that was capped with a Justin Holmes 6-yard score. It gave Pitt the 7-3 lead early in the second quarter. Unfortunately, it was the only time the Panthers would hold a lead, as the Pitt offense would not score again.

Miami Ends the First Half Strong

After the Pitt score, Miami immediately went right down the field for a touchdown of their own. Carson Beck connected with Malachi Toney multiple times on the drive, including this unbelievable one handed grab.

MALACHI TONEY WITH ONE HAND 😱 pic.twitter.com/UftjBqyu09

— ESPN (@espn) November 29, 2025

Two plays after the big catch, Toney lined up in the Wildcat and rolled out to find a wide open man in the end zone. Just like that, Miami was back on top.

After Trey Butkowski missed from 42 yards out on Pitt’s ensuing possession, Miami had another impressive drive that was capped with another Toney touchdown. This time, it was a 19-yard reception on a great rub route. Miami took a 17-7 lead into the break and never looked back.

Uneventful Second Half

Miami scored two more times in the third quarter to make it a 31-7 game. Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher ran one in from four yards out, and Carson Beck found his other running back, Charmar Brown, for a short touchdown.  The Panthers turned it over twice in the second half and never gave themselves a chance to come back in this one.

It was once again a disappointing, and underwhelming performance led by Pat Narduzzi and this Pitt team in the biggest of moments.

Meanwhile, Miami won the second half, 21-0. The Hurricanes did everything they could to show the College Football Playoff Committee why they belong.

Stats, Thoughts, and Reactions

True freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel played decently, finishing 22-of-32 for 199 passing yards with a touchdown and interception. Much like the Notre Dame game, Heinstchel was pressured constantly by Miami’s defensive line. However, he played well given how much he had to deal with from the Canes defense.

As stated multiple times in this piece, Malachi Toney was all over the field for Miami. Toney finished the day with 13 receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown. He also added nine passing yards, a passing score, and 30 rushing yards. He was truly a “Joker” for Miami all afternoon, and Pitt had no answer for him.

After reports surfaced that Desmond Reid was going to play, he ended up missing another game. Ja’Kyrian Turner got the start at running back, but was only able to muster 10 rushes for 37 yards. Much like Notre Dame, Miami proved to be too much of a mismatch in the trenches. Combine that with speed players like Toney, and Miami proves to be a mismatch for most FBS teams.

Pitt finishes the 2025 season 8-4 (6-2). To be honest, it could be viewed as a huge success with how they started and how many true freshmen played key roles for them. If they can retain their top talent and hit on a couple in the portal, they should be in good hands moving forward.