By Cord Rankin
9/3/2024
PITTSBURGH— Pitt redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein has been named the ACC Rookie of the Week for his performance in the Panthers’ 55-24 victory over Kent State this past Saturday.
Playing in his first-ever college game, Holstein completed 75% of his passes (30 of 40) for 336 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
It marked the highest passing yardage by a Pitt player since Kenny Pickett’s 340-yard performance against Virgnia on Nov. 20, 2021. It was the highest yardage by a Pitt freshman (true or redshirt) since Alex Van Pelt passed for 354 against Texas A&M in the 1989 Sun Bowl.
Additionally, Holstein became the first Pitt player to throw 30 completions in a game since Pickett had 39 against Miami on Oct. 30, 2021.
As a team, the Panthers’ point total and yardage (570) marked their highest since the 2021 ACC championship campaign.
Holstein (Zachary, La./Zachary H.S.) is in his first active collegiate season. As a freshman at Alabama last year, he did not appear in any games and redshirted.
Holstein and the Panthers play at Big 12 foe Cincinnati (1-0) this Saturday at noon. The game will be nationally televised by ESPN2 and can also be heard on 93.7 The Fan and the Pitt Panthers Radio Network.
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