When you’re rounding out your devy draft, the late-round dart throws are the ones that often become your biggest wins. One such player could be an under-the-radar quarterback who flashes high-end traits, transfers to the right situation and begins putting it all together on the field. If you’re looking for one of those breakout candidates this offseason, look no further than Eli Holstein, the redshirt sophomore quarterback now leading the charge for the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Holstein’s 2024 campaign wasn’t perfect but it was a compelling debut. One that offered tantalizing upside in a devy landscape where experienced, productive players are beginning to reign supreme. As highlighted in my article on trends for drafting devy quarterbacks, savvy fantasy managers are starting to lean toward transfer quarterbacks with collegiate reps underneath their belt. Holstein fits that mold, and then some.
Devy Dart Throw: Pittsburgh QB Eli Holstein (2025)
From Alabama to Opportunity: Holstein’s Background & Transfer
A four-star recruit out of Zachary High School in Louisiana, Holstein was once a highly-touted Alabama commit who, behind a crowded Crimson Tide quarterback room in 2023, found himself redshirting that season. Rather than wait in the wings, Holstein bet on himself and transferred to Pittsburgh for the 2024 season, a move that quickly paid off. Not only did he secure the starting job, but he also flashed signs of high-level potential that devy managers should take seriously.
2024 Snapshot: A Promising Foundation
In 10 games, Holstein completed 61.8% of his passes for 2,228 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding another 328 yards and three scores on the ground. While the stats aren’t gaudy, they represent a solid foundation for a redshirt freshman quarterback in a new system.
Notable Games:
- Season Opener vs. Kent State: 30-of-40, 336 yards, three touchdowns – a statement debut.
- Week 6 vs. North Carolina: 381 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown – a breakout game showcasing his dual-threat ability.
- Week 7 vs. Cal: A tough outing with two interceptions. but he showed poise in bouncing back the following week.
He ended the year with a 49.7 quarterback rating (86th nationally) but the raw tools and context matter more than national ranking in devy formats. And Holstein’s tools? They’re legit.
Scouting the Traits: NFL Tools Worth Betting On
Holstein stands 6’4”, 225 lbs, a prototype build for a modern NFL quarterback. He’s a true dual-threat with a big arm, functional mobility and a surprisingly quick release.
His intermediate velocity and ability to hit tight-window throws stand out, especially in red zone scenarios where Pitt leveraged his skill set well.
Strengths to Know:
- Arm Strength: Holstein can stretch the field and attack all three levels.
- Mobility & Pocket Presence: He escapes pressure and extends plays, even on broken-down snaps.
- Mechanics & Release: Compact and smooth, allowing for quicker decision-making.
- Competitive Toughness: He battles, using his toughness to bounce back from adversity and staying poised under fire.
There are still coachable traits in areas that need refinement: ball placement, progression reads and touch on deep throws. Something that you can’t teach? Holstein’s frame, arm, or mobility.
Injury Risk: A Wrinkle Worth Monitoring
Holstein’s 2024 season ended prematurely due to a left leg injury suffered on November 23, 2024, against Louisville. While early indications suggest a clean recovery, it’s something devy managers will need to monitor this offseason. The hope is he’ll be full-go by summer camp and ready to take a second-year leap, a common breakout point for quarterbacks in college systems.
The Devy Dart Throw Rationale
In a devy climate shifting toward proven commodities and transfer breakouts, Holstein offers the perfect mix of:
- Track record of production: Holstein didn’t just flash, he played well in a Power 5 offense and had big moments.
- Transfer success: Like many rising devy quarterbacks, he took control of a new team and didn’t look overwhelmed.
- Development runway: He’s not eligible until the 2026 NFL Draft, meaning you can buy in early before a big breakout season.
- NFL-level traits: Holstein checks every physical box you want in a developmental quarterback.
He’s unlikely to be drafted in the early rounds of your devy league, making him the type of upside swing that those savvy managers stash on their bench, with a potential payoff of Day 1 or Day 2 NFL draft capital in 2026 if he takes the expected next step.
Final Thoughts
Eli Holstein is exactly the kind of late-round devy target worth stashing this offseason. He’s got the size, arm, mobility and now experience. If he returns from injury fully healthy, he’ll be stepping into his redshirt sophomore year with a full offseason of starter reps and a chance to climb 2026 draft boards.
Why wait until he’s the buzz of next summer’s devy mocks? Grab him now! Before he’s the next “how did we miss this guy?” story.
Thanks for reading my article on Devy Fantasy Football Dart Throw Eli Holstein! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Jamie Rhodes – USA TODAY Sports*
