The transfer portal often brings opportunities and challenges, not only for coaches but also for players. This is true for Ohio State quarterback Air Noland, who found the quarterback room at Ohio State crowded, leading him to decide to enter the transfer portal.
Noland, a four-star recruit coming out of high school, was one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2024, ranked as the No. 5 QB and the No. 59 prospect in the country according to On3’s Industry Rankings. Despite his talent, Noland recognized that his path to playing time at Ohio State would be difficult with several quarterbacks ahead of him. As a result, he made the decision to seek a fresh start with another program.
Noland has already started visiting other schools, and his next official visit is to South Carolina. While the Gamecocks may not need a starting quarterback immediately, they could in the near future, making this an intriguing opportunity for Noland.
At South Carolina, LaNorris Sellers is set to be the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, with head coach Shane Beamer speaking highly of him after the Gamecocks’ win over Clemson. Sellers appears firmly entrenched as the starter.
However, South Carolina’s backup quarterback position could be up for grabs after the bowl game. Robby Ashford, the current backup, announced his intention to enter the transfer portal but will stay with the team for the bowl game. After that, the backup spot will be open, and Noland could compete for it.
As a young player, Noland still needs development, and sitting behind a quarterback like Sellers, who became a starter as a redshirt freshman, could be beneficial. Even as a backup, Noland might see the field more than he did at Ohio State, especially with Ashford’s role as a rusher.
In 2024, Ashford was the third-leading rusher for the Gamecocks, and Beamer used him in specific rushing situations when Sellers was injured. If Noland can develop as a rushing threat, especially with star running back Raheim Sanders heading to the NFL, he could find a role as the QB2 and be involved in similar rushing situations, giving him a chance to contribute.
