Buffalo names Elijah Holmes starting quarterback
Holmes played at Division II Wingate last season before transferring up.
Buffalo head coach Pete Lembo has decided upon a starting quarterback for the 2026 season, tabbing Wingate transfer Elijah Holmes for the position.
The six-foot-one, 215 lb. Holmes beat out redshirt freshman Jason Wright and former scout-teamer Mason Cumbie in camps.
Holmes arrived in Buffalo during the offseason after starting at Division II Wingate in 2025. In his lone season as starter, Holmes tossed the ball to the tune of 3,040 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions on a 60 percent completion rate while also rushing for 290 yards and three scores.
Wright is listed as the primary backup after collecting 15 carries for 43 yards in 2025 for the Bulls as a relief player. Per Jonah Bronstein of WIVB-TV, Wright is expected to also see the field for UB.
Holmes is the second former Division II starter to nab a QB gig in the Mid-American Conference this week, with former Assumption starter Jay Kastantin winning the Bowling Green starting QB job prior.
The North Carolina native will get his first start against UAlbany on Thursday night at 7 p.m. Eastern time.
