On Friday, Oakland Originals, an online media page created by Pitt’s NIL collective Alliance 412, released its first episode of a new Pitt-focused podcast.
The host of the show is Tre Tipton, a former Pitt wide receiver. His first guest? None other than Eli Holstein, Pitt’s starting quarterback.
Through two games, the Alabama transfer Holstein has led Pitt to a 2-0 record.
Against Cincinnati, he completed 13-of-18 pass attempts in the second half for 211 yards and three touchdowns. But in the fourth quarter alone? 11-of-12 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He turned a 27-6 deficit into a 28-27 victory.
“Second half we were down, what, 27-6?” Holstein said. “I thought, ‘Hey, I gotta play a lot faster. I gotta move the ball, get completions.’ Completions over big plays; those completions are going to turn into big plays. I threw the ball three yards to Desmond Reid and he took it about 60 yards. Just stuff like that. Thats what I gotta do, I gotta do that a lot more, just taking what the defense gives me and not trying to force anything.”
It was a learning experience for Holstein and the entire offense but also a major confidence boost. It was a game that Pitt needed to win. Holstein battled adversity in his first road start, dominated the Cincinnati defense when it mattered and pulled out the win.
Tipton spent seven seasons at Pitt, racking up 406 yards and two touchdowns on 40 receptions and 61 yards on 11 rushing attempts.
However, his Pitt career wasn’t defined by his time on the field. He battled injuries and overcame his own mental health struggles to become one of the most inspirational figures in all of college football.
His college career was capped by both an ACC championship and the 2021 Disney Spirit Award — the honor bestowed upon the most inspiring figure in college football. His non-profit L.O.V.E (Living Out Victoriously Everyday), has been active in the local community.
Great interview!