Japan: Obic Seagulls QB Pierce Holley captures X-League Rookie of the Year award

Obic Seagulls quarterback Pierce Holley has been named the X-League Rookie of the Year for the 2025 season after a dominant debut campaign that saw him lead the league with 1,894 passing yards and 21 touchdowns against just two interceptions.

Record-setting debut season
The 6’3”, 225-pound signal-caller from Arvada, Colorado —a former record-setting quarterback at Eastern Illinois University—made an immediate impact after his June debut in the Pearl Bowl, helping the Seagulls secure their sixth consecutive spring championship. His chemistry with receivers grew rapidly throughout the fall season, culminating in a spectacular four-touchdown performance against the Fujifilm Ebina Minerva AFC where he threw six scoring passes. His precise arm and decision-making made him the clear standout among first-year players.

Focused on team success
In accepting the award, Holley remained characteristically team-oriented:

“Thank you to everyone who voted… It is an honor and a privilege. I would also like to thank my teammates for their hard work. Without their efforts, this award would not have been possible.”

His immediate leadership has propelled the undefeated Seagulls to the 79th Rice Bowl where they will face the defending champion Panasonic Impulse. Holley’s focus remains on bringing a championship to Obic, stating, “From now on, my goal is to contribute to the team winning the Rice Bowl and become a better player and better teammate every year.”

Source: XLeague