PITTSBURGH—Pitt redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein, one of college football’s most impactful newcomers, has been named theACC Rookie of the Week for his performance in the Panthers’ 73-17 win over Youngstown State this past weekend.
It marks the fourth consecutive game that Holstein has earned the ACC’s weekly Rookie award.
In Pitt’s dominant victory over YSU, Holstein (Zachary, La./Zachary) compiled 340 yards in total offense and accounted for five touchdowns.
Through the air he completed 67% of his passes (16 of 24) for 247 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. His TD passes covered six, 10 and 82 yards, the last marking Pitt’s longest passing play since 2019.
Holstein was also highly productive on the ground, rushing for 93 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries (10.3 avg.). His rushing yardage was the most by a Pitt quarterback since 2014.
In leading the Panthers to a 4-0 record, Holstein became the first Pitt quarterback to win his initial four starts since Dan Marino in 1979.
On the season, Holstein has completed 67% of his passes (87 of 129) for 1,186 yards and 12 touchdowns with two interceptions. He is also Pitt’s second-leading rusher with 189 yards and two TDs on 38 carries (5.0 avg.).
Holstein ranks among the nation’s most productive quarterbacks regardless of class. He ranks fourth nationally in touchdown passes (12), fifth in points responsible for (84), sixth in total offense per game (343.8 avg.), 10th in total passing yards (1,186), 11th in points responsible for per game (21.0 avg.), 13th in passing yards per game (296.5 avg.) and 18th in passing efficiency (172.3 rating).
He is piloting a Pitt offense that averages 48.5 points (eighth in FBS) and 522.8 yards (ninth) per contest.
The Panthers, off to their first 4-0 start since 2000, have an open date this week. They resume action on Oct. 5 at ACC foe North Carolina. The game in Chapel Hill will kick off at noon and be televised by either ESPN or ESPN2.
Source: E.J. Borghetti/Pitt Athletics
