PITTSBURGH - In a surprising decision, Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi announced that Alabama transfer Eli Holstein will start as quarterback in the upcoming season opener against Kent State. Narduzzi confirmed this during his weekly press conference, highlighting Holstein's impressive performance during training camp. However, Narduzzi also mentioned that both Holstein and Nate Yarnell, the other quarterback vying for the starting spot, will see playing time against the Golden Flashes.

Holstein's selection as the starting quarterback is noteworthy due to his lack of college football experience. While at Alabama, he primarily served as the scout team quarterback. Nonetheless, his potential has been recognized since his high school days at Zachary High, where he showcased his talents as the team's quarterback.

Although Holstein has earned the start for the Kent State game, Narduzzi emphasized that the quarterback competition is not officially over. Narduzzi praised Holstein as one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2023. He was originally committed to Texas A&M before switching to Alabama in the summer of 2022. Holstein's strong performance in high school earned him several offers from prestigious programs such as Auburn, LSU, Ohio State, and Stanford, among others, before ultimately signing with Alabama.

As a senior at Zachary High in 2022, Holstein displayed remarkable efficiency on the field. He completed 159 of 244 pass attempts, boasting a 65% completion rate, for a total of 2,153 yards. Holstein also demonstrated his dual-threat abilities, rushing for 505 yards on 64 carries, averaging an impressive 7.9 yards per attempt, and scoring a total of nine touchdowns. His standout performance continued into his junior year, where he threw for an impressive 3,264 yards, rushed for an additional 515, and accounted for 43 total touchdowns, culminating in a perfect 15-0 season and a state championship.

Holstein's inaugural start for Pitt against Kent State not only provides an opportunity for the young quarterback to showcase his skills but also presents a chance for him to solidify his position as the starting quarterback for the team. While the distribution of snaps is yet to be determined, a strong performance by Holstein in the season opener could earn him additional playing time in the future.

Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely as the highly-rated transfer quarterback takes the field, bringing with him the hopes of a successful season for the Pitt Panthers.