Sources – Pitt QB Eli Holstein will not play against Clemson

Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein will not play Saturday against No. 20 Clemson, sources told ESPN.

Holstein was not medically cleared, sources said, and was considered a game-time decision by coach Pat Narduzzi. Sources said Holstein will participate in warmups on Saturday but will not play after leaving two of Pitt’s last three games due to an apparent head injury.

Redshirt junior Nate Yarnell is set to start for Pitt, sources said. This is the fourth time he has started for the Panthers in his career. 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 plenty of experience as 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 five touchdowns and two interceptions while playing 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, including six interceptions.

Pittsburgh has the No. 16 scoring offense in the country at 36.7 points per game. That’s an increase from number 114 last season, when the average was 20.2 points.

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