Greg McElroy Names Overlooked College Football Quarterback That Is The ‘Real Deal’

The Syracuse Orange, Boston College Eagles, California Golden Bears and Duke Blue Devils have all gotten off to solid starts in the ACC. The Miami Hurricanes, North Carolina Tar Heels and Pittsburgh Panthers are undefeated heading into Week 4.

Greg McElroy pointed out that the Panthers are not getting as much attention as they deserve this season. Most of the team's offensive success is with Alabama Crimson Tide transfer quarterback Eli Holstein.

Per the On3 Industry Rankings, Holstein was a former four-star quarterback in the 2023 class. He was the No. 7 QB for his class. Through three games, Holstein has 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Holstein helped lead Pittsburgh to a 38-31 win over hated rival, the West Virginia Mountaineers, in the Backyard Brawl. He finished the game with 301 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 59 rushing yards.

On a recent " Always College Football " episode, McElroy called Holstein the "real deal" after how the Panthers' quarterback has played.

"...They come back, and they beat West Virginia in a rivalry game this past weekend, and Eli Holstein's the real deal, man," McElroy said. "He is awesome. Transfer from Alabama. Excellent, excellent football. Very encouraged by what I've seen from him."

Pitt has previously relied on solid quarterback play to win the ACC title. In 2021, the Panthers won the conference title over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with quarterback Kenny Pickett under center.

The Panthers face Youngstown State in Week 4. Kickoff is on Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET via ESPN+ and ACC Extra.

Related: Greg McElroy Names Freshman Superstar That Is ‘Far Beyond’ Where He Should Be