Pitt Benches QB Phil Jurkovec, Turns to Christian Veilleux

Panthers hope for a spark after 1-4 start to the season

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a college football quarterback in the midst of a passing play, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color.Pitt's quarterback change aims to provide a much-needed boost to the team's struggling passing attack.Today in Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh has made a change at quarterback, benching Phil Jurkovec in favor of Christian Veilleux. Jurkovec, a high school star from the Pittsburgh area who transferred to Pitt for his final season, has struggled with accuracy and the Panthers' passing game has sputtered, leading to the team's 1-4 start. Veilleux, a sophomore who previously played at Penn State, will make his first career start against No. 14 Louisville this weekend as Pitt looks to turn its season around.

Why it matters

Pitt's quarterback change comes at a critical juncture, as the Panthers have gotten off to their worst start under head coach Pat Narduzzi. The team's passing game has been a major issue, and the hope is that Veilleux can provide a spark to help Pitt avoid its first losing season since Narduzzi took over in 2014.

The details

Jurkovec, who transferred to Pitt after stops at Notre Dame and Boston College, has completed just 51% of his passes for 818 yards with 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions this season. Veilleux, a sophomore who spent two years at Penn State before joining the Panthers, has seen limited action but will now get his chance to start. Pitt's offensive line has also struggled, allowing 13 sacks through 5 games, which has contributed to the team's offensive woes.

  • Pitt made the quarterback change ahead of their game against No. 14 Louisville on Saturday, April 22.
  • Jurkovec had started the first 5 games of the season for the Panthers.

The players

Phil Jurkovec

The starting quarterback for Pitt who has been benched after a 1-4 start to the season.

Christian Veilleux

The sophomore quarterback who will make his first career start for Pitt against Louisville after previously playing at Penn State.

Pat Narduzzi

The head coach of the University of Pittsburgh football team, who made the decision to bench Jurkovec in favor of Veilleux.

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What they’re saying

“'Phil is an unbelievable guy. He'll do whatever you ask him to do. He took it like a champion.'”

— Pat Narduzzi, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh

“'He's got a quick release, throws a great ball, can throw it around and sling it. He wants to have his opportunity.'”

— Pat Narduzzi, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh

What’s next

Veilleux will make his first career start for Pitt when they host No. 14 Louisville on Saturday, April 22.

The takeaway

Pitt's quarterback change highlights the team's struggles to start the season, as they look to Christian Veilleux to provide a spark and help the Panthers avoid their first losing campaign under head coach Pat Narduzzi.