Examining Eli Holstein’s First Season as Pitt Quarterback
p/c: Matt Freed
Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi was looking to revamp the offense, for the 2024 season.
In December of 2023, Narduzzi hired Western Carolina offensive coordinator, Kade Bell, who ran a dynamic, high-powered offense.
Pitt football made its most notable addition from the transfer portal in January, as they brought in former Alabama quarterback Eli Holstein. Before arriving to Tuscaloosa, Holstein was considered a four-star recruit.As a redshirt freshman, Holstein earned the starting QB job over Nate Yarnell.
The 19-year-old Holstein made his Panthers debut, in the season opener versus Kent State. He went 31-41, for 333 yards, along with three touchdowns.
In the second week of the season, Holstein led an incredible comeback, as Pitt defeated Cincinnati, 28-27, with Holstein going 20-35, 302 yards passing, and three touchdowns.
The third game is where Holstein was properly introduced to the Backyard Brawl. Against West Virginia, he compiled 301 yards through the air, along with three touchdowns, while leading yet another dramatic, fourth quarter rally, to defeat the Mountaineers, 38-34.
It was October 5th that Holstein had his strongest performance versus North Carolina, as he threw for a season best 381 yards, while finding the end zone four times, including one on the ground. He helped give Pitt their first win in Chapel Hill since joining the ACC in 2013.
The Panthers would suffer their first loss of the season to SMU. For Holstein, he played okay, as he went 29-48, for 248 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
In Pitt’s loss to Virginia that following week, Holstein would have his worst showing. He only threw for 121 yards, while completing only 43.5% of his passes.
During the Panthers’ 37-9 loss to Louisville, Holstein suffered an ankle injury. As it turned out, the injury kept him out the remainder of the season, including the bowl game.
On Friday, Holstein announced via Twitter/X that he will be returning to the University of Pittsburgh next season.
Assessment: The first half of the 2024 season saw Holstein emerge as one of the best freshmen quarterbacks in the nation. He was named ACC Rookie of the Week, on four different occasions. Holstein also guided the program to their first 7-0 start since 1982.
The second half of the year was a bit of a struggle for Holstein, particularly in the SMU and Virginia games. The ankle injury he sustained at Louisville was an unfortunate end to his season.
Given the circumstance of being a freshman quarterback at a new school, Holstein had a very good season all told. If I had to give out a grade, for Holstein’s overall 2024, a B would be more than fair.