Quarterback Eli Holstein, who led Pitt to a 7-0 start before injuries derailed much of the remainder of his season, and All-America linebacker Kyle Louis said Friday on social media platform X they will return to the team in 2025.

Holstein will lead a quarterback room that will include former Penn Hills star Julian Dugger, who concluded his freshman season Thursday by leading the Panthers during most of the loss to Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.

Walk-ons David Lynch, who started the bowl game, and Jake Frantl also were on the roster this season. Incoming freshman Mason Heintschel, who was with the team during bowl week in Detroit, will enroll in January.

Louis, an All-ACC linebacker, was named to five All-America teams, including first team by The Sporting News. He was picked to second teams by the Associated Press, CBS Sports, The Athletic and College Football Network. He filled up his stat line with 97 tackles, 15 1/2 TFLs, seven sacks, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a forced fumble. He made two big plays on conversions, including an interception. He also blocked an extra-point attempt and returned it for two points Thursday in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.

Louis’ running mate at linebacker, Rasheem Biles, also said he plans to return next season. Biles was third on the team with 82 tackles, behind safety Donovan McMillon and Louis. He also was second to Louis with 14 1/2 TFLs.

Holstein, a redshirt freshman who transferred from Alabama, offers hope with his return that Pitt can end its six-game losing streak next season after he entered 2024 with a splash.

He is the first Pitt quarterback to win his first seven starts since Dan Marino did so during the 1979 and 1980 seasons.

He threw for 2,228 yards and 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 62% of his passes (180 of 291) in 10 starts. Most famously, he led come-from-behind victories against Cincinnati and West Virginia that helped Pitt rise as high as No. 18 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

His touchdown pass total is tied with Alex Van Pelt (1989) for most by a Pitt freshman. Among FBS freshmen (before bowl games), Holstein was third in passing yards (222.8) and total offense per game (255.6). He was fifth in touchdown passes.

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Among Power 4 freshmen, he was first in passing yards and total offense per game and third in touchdown passes.

Despite missing three games and most of the loss to Louisville, Holstein finished the season second in rushing on the team with 328 yards to running back Desmond Reid’s 962.

Holstein, Louis and Biles make 15 Pitt players who have announced they will return next year.

On the same day Holstein and Louis revealed their plans, freshman defensive end Sincere Edwards told Rivals he plans to transfer. He is the 14th player to leave the team since the transfer portal opened Dec. 9.