Shane Beamer has consistently emphasized since his hiring that his role as head coach is to always prioritize what’s best for the South Carolina football program and to enhance competition at every position. On signing day, he reiterated his stance: “I don’t know if there’s a position out there that I would say, ‘We don’t want that guy from the portal if he can help us.’”
This philosophy is why the Gamecocks added a significant portal commit on Monday, one that should help the team — but could also stir up some competition and possibly hurt feelings among the current players.
Prentiss “Air” Noland III, a former Top-100 recruit, has transferred to South Carolina after a redshirt season at Ohio State, where he didn’t see any game action. Noland, one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the 2023 class, chose the Gamecocks after entering the transfer portal.
He will join South Carolina’s quarterback room, which now includes four scholarship QBs: Noland, incumbent starter LaNorris Sellers, redshirt freshman Dante Reno, and true freshman Cutter Woods.
Woods, who recently played for a state championship and enrolled early to participate in Citrus Bowl practices, knows his chance of immediate playing time is slim. As a freshman QB, it’s a tough road, much like it was for Reno last season. Reno likely expected to be given a more serious shot for the future in 2025, with Sellers as the starter and Reno potentially stepping into a backup role.
However, with Noland now in the mix, the competition for the No. 2 spot is wide open. Noland brings significant recruiting credentials, as well as a year of practice experience, and like Reno, he has four years of eligibility remaining.
On the other hand, Reno has already seen game action — albeit limited — and has been in South Carolina’s system for a year, though with a new offensive coordinator in Mike Shula, the system may see changes.
Looking ahead, the Gamecocks are also thinking about the future, as Sellers will be eligible for the NFL Draft after the 2025 season. While Sellers’ decision may not be set in stone, the team must be prepared for any scenario. South Carolina needed another QB, especially with Robby Ashford and Davis Beville set to leave after the Citrus Bowl.
The importance of a reliable backup QB was made clear after Sellers was injured against LSU and Ashford started in the Gamecocks’ victory over Akron.
Beamer has made it clear that competition is key, and no position is guaranteed. If there are any tensions or issues to address, the bowl trip and spring practices will be the time to do so. Reno, in particular, has become a well-known figure within the program, having committed in July 2022 and remained steadfast despite a difficult 2023 season. He also played a role in recruiting several new players to the Gamecocks.
In coaching, managing a large group of players requires balancing various roles: counselor, mentor, and leader. It’s inevitable that there will be challenges along the way. But Beamer must continue to focus on what’s best for the team, even if it means making tough decisions.
