Quarterback Air Noland, a former Ohio State recruit, recently addressed his unexpected transfer to South Carolina. Noland, a four-star recruit ranked No. 7 among quarterbacks and No. 62 overall in the 2024 class (247Sports), entered the transfer portal on Dec. 16 despite Ohio State’s College Football Playoff bid.
Noland sought a fresh opportunity with Julian Sayin, Devin Brown, and Will Howard ahead of him on the depth chart. On Dec. 23, he committed to Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks, joining standout LaNorris Sellers despite his strong freshman season.
Air Noland Explained the Rationale Behind Choosing Gamecocks, ‘It’s a Play Away’
Air Noland’s decision to transfer from Ohio State to South Carolina surprised many because of the presence of a starter in LaNorris Sellers. On Thursday, Noland detailed his thought process, emphasizing the value of staying prepared.
“The opportunity to be a play – it’s a play away,” Noland told Gamecocks Central. “You never know what’s happening when it’s time for football. The opportunity that South Carolina presented is just a great opportunity for me. I feel like Coach Beamer and Coach Shula just know that as well.”
Noland arrives in Columbia as a redshirt freshman after not appearing in any games for Ohio State during the 2024-25 season. Despite the lack of collegiate experience, his background suggests plenty of potential. A former standout at Langston Hughes High School (GA), Noland earned a four-star rating and was ranked the No. 5 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting cycle by the On3 Industry Ranking.
The competition for snaps will be intense, given Sellers’ impressive freshman season. Sellers threw for 2,534 yards with 18 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He also showcased his rushing ability, adding 674 yards and seven scores on the ground.
Instead of feeling discouraged by Sellers’ success, Noland welcomes the challenge.
“It pushes you each and every day. It doesn’t let you be lackadaisical. It makes you a better quarterback,” Noland said. “I feel like competition also brings the best out of you. With a quarterback like LaNorris Sellers, he’s a guy I can push and hopefully compete with and have fun with that.”
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer praised Noland’s competitive mindset.
KEEP READING: Can LaNorris Sellers Lead South Carolina to the College Football Playoff? National Analyst Says ‘Yes’
“Credit to him, cause all he wants is an opportunity to compete,” Beamer told reporters ahead of the Citrus Bowl. “I said this to you guys last year: many quarterbacks were interested in South Carolina because of Spencer [Rattler]. They wanted to come here, but they went on to other Power Five schools and became starters because they wouldn’t come here because I wouldn’t promise them the starting job.”
The Gamecocks will kick off their 2025 season against Virginia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Aug. 31.
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