Former Alabama football QB Eli Holstein named starter for Pitt over Nate Yarnell
Former Alabama football quarterback Eli Holstein transferred to Pitt over the offseason, and it appears he has earned the starting job.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Thursday that Holstein has been named the Panthers' starter over veteran Nate Yarnell, who made a pair of starts last season.
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The redshirt freshman quarterback spent one season with the Crimson Tide, but redshirted and didn't appear in a game. Pitt's season opener against Kent State will mark his first appearance and start in college.
Holstein was a highly touted recruit out of high school, tabbed as the No. 88 player nationally and No. 8 quarterback, according to 247Sports' Composite rankings. The former four-star prospect had offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Miami, among others.
Holstein will be tasked with leading a revamped Pitt offense, which added former Western Carolina offensive coordinator Kade Bell, who's known for his high-tempo scheme. Pitt finished just 3-9 last season and ranked 114th in scoring offense.
The 6-foot-4 signal caller would've likely settled in at third or fourth string at Alabama this season if he stayed, with Ty Simpson serving as Jalen Milroe's backup. New coach Kalen DeBoer also brought over Austin Mack from Washington in the transfer portal, who's viewed as Milroe's potential successor.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Former Alabama football QB Eli Holstein named starter for Pitt
