Sources – Pitt will use Alabama transfer Eli Holstein as QB

According to sources, Eli Holstein, who transferred from Alabama, will start at quarterback for Pittsburgh against Kent State on Saturday.

Holstein, a redshirt freshman, beat out veteran Nate Yarnell to become the starter after a battle that lasted all summer camp. Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi has publicly stated that both are expected to play against Kent State.

Holstein transferred to Pitt after a year at Alabama. He did not play in a game for the Tide and was absent from the 2023 season, so Saturday will be both his first start and his first career appearance.

Holstein is a top recruit who is ranked among the top 30 recruits in the class of 2023 according to ESPN. At Zachary High School in Louisiana, he threw for 7,014 yards and 62 touchdowns.

Pitt rebuilt its offensive staff and brought in Western Carolina coordinator Cade Bell to reinstall an up-tempo system.

Bell has proven to be one of the most productive FCS coordinators in recent years, as the Catamounts finished in the top five of the FCS in total offense, passing offense and points last year.

Holstein is a quarterback with big arms who should distribute the ball all over the field to Pitt’s talented players. The Panthers have bolstered their offensive line by adding three players with ties to Western Carolina: tailback Desmond Reid and two wide receivers – Censere Lee and Raphael Williams Jr.

The Panthers finished 114th in offense last year, and both the system change and the transfers are expected to revamp the offense. Pitt finished 3-9 last year, an unexpected slump after winning the ACC in 2021 and going 9-4 in 2022.

Kent State will start redshirt sophomore Devin Kargman at quarterback. He will make his third career start.