Sources – Pitt Starts Alabama Transfer Eli Holstein at QB

Alabama transfer Eli Holstein will start for Pittsburgh at defensive back against Kent State on Saturday, sources tell ESPN.

Freshman Holstein beat out veteran Nate Yarnell for a starting spot after a battle that lasted all summer camp, and Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi has publicly stated that both are expected to play against Kent State.

Holstein was traded to Pittsburgh after one year at Alabama. He did not play in a game for the Tide and will redshirt the 2023 season, making Saturday his first career start and appearance.

Holstein is a top recruit who was ranked as one of ESPN’s top 30 recruits in the class of 2023. At Zachary High School in Louisiana, he threw for 7,014 yards and 62 touchdowns.

Pitt overhauled his offensive staff, bringing in Western Carolina coordinator Cade Bell to reinstall the up-tempo system.

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

Holstein is a big-armed quarterback who should be able to distribute the ball all over the field to Pittsburgh’s skilled players. The Panthers have upgraded their offensive line and brought in three transfers from Western Carolina: linebacker Desmond Reed and two wide receivers, Sincere Lee and Rafael Williams Jr.

The Panthers ranked 114th in scoring offense last year, and the change in offense and transfers are expected to boost the offense again. Pittsburgh finished 3-9 last season, an unexpected drop after winning the ACC championship in 2021 and going 9-4 in 2022.

Kent State sophomore Devin Kargman will start at defensive back. This will be his third career start.