Sources: Pitt to begin Tide transfer Holstein at QB

• Pete Thamel, ESPNAug 29, 2024, 12:54 PM ET

Alabama transfer Eli Holstein will start for Pittsburgh at quarterback versus Kent State on Saturday, sources told ESPN.Holstein, a redshirt freshman, edged out veteran Nate Yarnell for the starting nod after a battle that lasted throughout summer camp. Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi has actually stated publicly that both are expected to bet Kent State.Holstein transferred to Pitt after one year at Alabama. He did not play in any games for the Tide and redshirted the 2023 season, which will make Saturday both his very first career start and appearance.Holstein is a top hire who ranked as one of ESPN’s Top 30 total employees in the Class of 2023

. At Zachary High School in Louisiana, he threw for 7,014 yards and 62 touchdowns.Pitt upgraded the offensive personnel, generating Western Carolina organizer Kade Bell to re-install an up-tempo system.Bell emerged in the last few years as one of the most prolific FCS organizers as the Catamounts finished in the leading 5 in the FCS last year in

total offense, passing offense and scoring.Holstein is a big-armed quarterback who should be able to spread out the ball around the field to Pitt’s ability players. The Panthers have actually upgraded on the offensive line and brought in 3 transfers with ties to Western Carolina: tailback Desmond Reid and 2 pass receivers, Censere Lee and Raphael Williams Jr.The Panthers ended up No. 114 in scoring offense in 2015, and both the plan modification and the transfers are believed to juice the offense back up. Pitt ended up 3-9 in 2015, an unexpected dip after winning

the ACC in 2021 and going 9-4 in 2022. Kent State will start redshirt sophomore Devin Kargman at quarterback. He’ll be making his third career start.