Eli Holstein

NFL Draft Profile: Eli Holstein

Position: Quarterback | School: Pittsburgh (via Alabama) | Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 225 lbs | Archetype: Dual-Threat / Gunslinger

College Career Summary

Eli Holstein is one of the most intriguing physical specimens in the 2026 draft cycle. A former top-tier recruit for Alabama, Holstein transferred to Pittsburgh in 2024 and immediately sparked a dormant offense. His debut season was historic, as he became the first Pitt QB since Dan Marino to start 7-0.

His 2025 campaign was a tale of extreme "peaks and valleys" defined by injury and elite production. He opened the season with back-to-back 4-touchdown performances but struggled with durability throughout the conference slate. Despite missing significant time, Holstein showed flashes of NFL-caliber "hero ball," leading Pitt to gritty wins with his arm and legs before an injury sidelined him for several key matchups in the second half of the season.

2025 Season Statistical Highlights

• Passing Yards: 1,081 (in 8 games)

• Completion %: 61.6%

• Touchdowns: 12 Passing, 1 Rushing

• Interceptions: 6

• Passer Rating: 156.3

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Duquesne	15/23, 215 Yds, 4 TD/1 INT	A	Total command of the system. Accurate on vertical shots.
2	vs Central Mich	21/28, 304 Yds, 4 TD/1 INT	A+	The Peak. Highest passer rating of the season (206.2).
3	@ West Virginia	22/37, 303 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B	High volume in a loss. Showed toughness under heavy pressure.
4	vs Louisville	14/26, 228 Yds, 2 TD/2 INT	C+	Aggressive but reckless. Forced throws into double coverage.
5	vs Boston College	2/4, 8 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	Inc.	Left early due to injury.
6-8	Injured	—	—	DNP (Missed FSU, Syracuse games).
9	vs NC State	0/1, 0 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT	F	Short appearance; threw a disastrous interception on his only pass.
10	vs Notre Dame	3/6, 23 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	B-	Entered late for a garbage-time TD drive. Mechanics looked healthy.

NFL Scouting Report

Strengths

• Prototypical Build: At 6'4" and 225 lbs, he has the "modern" build scouts look for—large enough to absorb SEC/NFL-level hits while maintaining high-end speed.

• Explosive "Spark" Talent: Holstein has a high SPARQ score and elite testing metrics. He is a "straight-line" athlete who can punish defenses on designed runs or scramble for 20+ yards when plays break down.

• Vertical Aggression: He is a true gunslinger. He doesn't hesitate to attack the third level of the defense, showcasing a 50+ yard effortless deep ball.

• Red Zone Efficiency: His combination of size and intermediate velocity makes him a lethal threat in tight windows inside the 20-yard line.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent Ball Placement: While he has a strong arm, his "touch" is still a work in progress. He often relies on his upper body to power throws, leading to "airballs" or passes that sail over the middle.

• Durability Concerns: Having missed significant time in both 2024 and 2025, NFL teams will scrutinize his frame and playstyle, which often exposes him to unnecessary contact.

• Processing Speed: In 2025, he struggled when his primary read was taken away, occasionally reverting to "playground football" rather than working through his full progression.

• Mechanics Decay: Under pressure, his footwork can become "rigid" and flat-footed, which leads to erratic accuracy.

Scheme Fit

• Primary Fit: Vertical Spread / Power-Run Hybrid. He would thrive in a system like the Indianapolis Colts or Cleveland Browns—offenses that value a mobile quarterback with a big arm who can execute a deep-threat passing game.

Scout's Final Word

"Eli Holstein is the 'Lottery Ticket' of the 2026 class. He has the size and arm strength of a first-round pick but the durability and consistency of a Day 3 project. If he can stay healthy and refine his intermediate touch, his ceiling is an NFL starter. Currently, he projects as a Mid-to-Late Round (Round 4-6) prospect with high-end backup potential."