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Pete Thamel, ESPN
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 by coach Pat Narduzzi. Holstein left two of Pitt’s past three games after suffering apparent head injuries.
Redshirt junior Nate Yarnell is expected to start for Pitt, sources said, marking the fourth time in his career he has started for the Panthers. It would be Yarnell’s first start 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 backup, as he has 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 has thrown for five touchdowns and two interceptions while playing in the past three games.
Holstein has been a revelatory player for the Panthers under new offensive coordinator Kade Bell. Holstein, a transfer from Alabama, has thrown for 17 touchdowns with six interceptions.
Pittsburgh has the country’s No. 16 scoring offense at 36.7 points per game. That’s up from No. 114 last season, when it averaged 20.2 points.
Holstein has completed 61.9% of his passes and thrown for 2,174 yards.