40 Facts About Eli Holstein

Early Life and High School Achievements

Eli Holstein's journey in football began in Louisiana, where his early years laid the foundation for his future success. His high school career was marked by impressive performances and accolades.

1. Birthdate and Place: Born on October 26, 2004, in Louisiana, Eli Holstein's roots are deeply tied to the state where he first showcased his football talent.

2. High School Career: At Zachary High School, Holstein passed for 7,014 yards with 62 touchdowns and rushed for 1,233 yards with 30 touchdowns, establishing himself as a formidable quarterback.

3. High School Achievements: His prowess on the field earned him the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 5A Most Outstanding Offensive Player award and the MaxPreps Louisiana Football Player of the Year title.

4. College Commitment: Holstein initially committed to the University of Alabama, where he was rated as the nation’s No. 29 overall prospect and No. 5 pocket passer by ESPN.

5. Redshirting at Alabama: In 2023, Holstein redshirted at Alabama, gaining valuable experience without playing in any games.

Transition to College Football

Eli's transition from high school to college football was marked by a significant move that would shape his collegiate career.

6. Transfer to Pitt: After redshirting at Alabama, Holstein transferred to the University of Pittsburgh for the 2024 season, seeking more opportunities to play.

7. Competing for Starting Job: At Pitt, he competed with Nate Yarnell for the starting quarterback position and emerged victorious.

8. First Career Start: In his debut start, Holstein completed 30 of 40 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns against Kent State, leading Pitt to a 55-24 victory.

Impressive College Performance

Holstein quickly made a name for himself in college football with his impressive performances on the field.

9. Statistical Performance: Through three games in 2024, Holstein completed 71-of-105 pass attempts (68%) for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions, adding 96 rushing yards.

10. ACC Rankings: He ranks third in the ACC for completions and passing yards, and tied for second in passing touchdowns nationally.

11. National Rankings: Holstein is ninth nationally in yards per game and tied for fourth with nine passing touchdowns.

Leadership and Personal Background

Beyond his skills on the field, Holstein's leadership and personal background have played a crucial role in his development as a player.

12. Leadership Role: As a redshirt freshman, Holstein has taken on a leadership role, earning respect through hard work and accountability.

13. Family Influence: His grandfather, who worked in Missouri's salt mines, instilled in him the values of hard work and determination.

14. Family Legacy: Holstein carries both his grandfather’s and father’s last names, a special honor and responsibility.

15. Emotional Connection to Football: His passion for football is evident, especially during intense games like the Backyard Brawl against West Virginia.

Recognition and Respect

Holstein's dedication and performance have earned him recognition and respect from coaches, teammates, and fans alike.

16. Respect from Coaches and Teammates: His dedication has impressed Pitt’s offensive coordinator, Kade Bell, and his teammates.

17. Holstein’s Accountability: Tight end Gavin Bartholomew admires Holstein’s accountability, noting his willingness to take responsibility when things go wrong.

18. Holstein’s Passion: His passion was visible during the WVU game, especially when his helmet was ripped off, forcing him to sit out a play.

19. Holstein’s Humility: Despite his success, Holstein credits his teammates and coaches for trusting him and putting him in a position to succeed.

Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities

As Holstein continues to excel, he faces new challenges and opportunities that will shape his future in college football.

20. Holstein’s Focus on Every Game: He approaches each game with the mindset that it’s the biggest of his career, helping him stay focused and perform well.

21. Holstein’s Upcoming Matchup: Preparing for a game against Youngstown State, Holstein aims to maintain Pitt’s undefeated conference record.

22. Holstein’s NIL Compensation: With his national profile, Holstein could potentially earn over $100k in NIL deals, despite Pitt’s average being $22k.

Personal Life and Interests

Holstein's personal life and interests provide insight into the person behind the player.

23. Holstein’s Personal Background: Born to Scott and Amy Holstein, Eli has a brother and sister. His father, Scott, was a punter at LSU, and his brother, Caleb, played quarterback at Louisiana Tech.

24. Holstein’s Exercise Science Major: Eli is majoring in exercise science, aligning with his passion for fitness and sports performance.

25. Holstein’s High School Coach: Coach David Brewerton praises Holstein’s work ethic and attention to detail, noting his dedication to improving as a quarterback.

High School Records and Achievements

Holstein's high school career was filled with remarkable achievements and records that set the stage for his college success.

26. Holstein’s Recruiting Process: He was highly regarded by college scouts, rated as the No. 54 overall player and No. 8 quarterback by 247Sports Composite.

27. Holstein’s Playing Style: Known as a pocket passer, Holstein also excels at gaining yards with his legs, adding versatility to his game.

28. Holstein’s High School Records: In his senior year, he threw for 2,153 yards and 22 touchdowns with only three interceptions, also rushing for 505 yards and nine touchdowns.

29. Holstein’s Junior Year Achievements: Leading Zachary High to a 15-0 record and a state championship, he threw for 3,228 yards and 30 touchdowns with six interceptions.

30. Holstein’s All-American Bowl Selection: Selected to play in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, during high school.

College Game Highlights

Holstein's college games have been filled with standout performances that highlight his talent and potential.

31. Holstein’s College Debut: Against Kent State, he completed 75% of his passes for 336 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.

32. Holstein’s Performance Against West Virginia: In the Backyard Brawl, he completed 70% of his passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns, also leading Pitt with 59 rushing yards.

33. Holstein’s Performance Against Cincinnati: He threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns with an interception, adding 36 rushing yards.

34. Holstein’s Performance Against Youngstown State: Compiling 340 yards in total offense, he accounted for five touchdowns, completing 67% of his passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

35. Holstein’s Performance Against North Carolina: Set a Pitt freshman record with 381 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, also rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Impact and Future Prospects

Holstein's impact on Pitt's offense and his future prospects in college football are promising.

36. Holstein’s Impact on Pitt’s Offense: Leading the team to a 5-0 record, he became the first Pitt quarterback to win his initial five starts since Dan Marino in 1979.

37. Holstein’s Rushing Yards: His rushing yardage against Youngstown State was the most by a Pitt quarterback since 2014, with 93 yards and two touchdowns.

38. Holstein’s Passing Efficiency: Boasting a pass efficiency rating of 167.5, he ranks 15th nationally.

39. Holstein’s Total Offense Average: Ranking third nationally in total offense, he averages 366.4 yards per game.

40. Holstein’s Future Prospects: With his current performance and national recognition, Eli Holstein is poised for a bright future in college football, potentially making a significant impact at the professional level.

Eli Holstein: A Rising Star in College Football

Eli Holstein's journey from Zachary High School to the Pittsburgh Panthers is a testament to his hard work and dedication. With impressive stats and a knack for leadership, he's quickly become a standout player. Holstein's ability to balance passing and rushing makes him a versatile threat on the field. His performances against teams like West Virginia and North Carolina have already set records and turned heads. Beyond his athletic prowess, Holstein's humility and accountability earn him respect from teammates and coaches alike. As he continues to grow and develop, his potential seems limitless. With a strong family legacy and a passion for the game, Holstein is poised to make waves in college football and beyond. Keep an eye on this young quarterback; his future looks incredibly bright, and his journey is just beginning.