Sources: Pitt QB Holstein not expected to play

Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein is not expected to play against No. 20 Clemson on Saturday, sources told ESPN.

Holstein hadn’t been cleared medically, sources said, and was considered a game-time decision this week by coach Pat Narduzzi. Holstein left two of Pitt’s past three games after suffering apparent head injuries.

Redshirt junior Nate Yarnell will be Pitt’s expected starter, per sources, which will mark the fourth time in his career he’s started for the Panthers. It will mark the first start for Yarnell this season, as he lost a camp battle to Holstein. He has a 2-1 record as a starter, with wins over Western Michigan (2022) and Boston College (2023) and a loss to Duke (2023).

Yarnell has a strong amount of experience for a back-up, as he’s thrown for 1,104 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career. That includes a 65.3% completion percentage and an average of 8.9 yards per attempt. This season, he’s thrown for five touchdowns and two interceptions, and he’s played in the past three games.

Holstein has been a revelatory player for the Panthers this year under new offensive coordinator Kade Bell. Holstein, a transfer from Alabama, has thrown for 17 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Pittsburgh has the country’s No. 16 scoring offense at 36.7 points per game. That’s up from No. 114 last year, when they scored 20.2 points per game.

Holstein has completed 61.9% of his passes and thrown for 2,174 yards.