5-star quarterback delivers an early lump of coal to Ryan Day, Ohio State with transfer portal decision
The Ohio State Buckeyes will lose a third prized quarterback from its roster this offseason. As we reported a month ago, Air Noland will be transferring from the Buckeyes after joining the program before the season began. He's the second quarterback to enter the portal after Devin Brown added his name to the mix. With […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes will lose a third prized quarterback from its roster this offseason. As we reported a month ago, Air Noland will be transferring from the Buckeyes after joining the program before the season began. He's the second quarterback to enter the portal after Devin Brown added his name to the mix.
With Will Howard graduating, the Buckeyes are clearly turning the keys to 5-star quarterback Julian Sayin in 2025. Sayin beat out Noland quickly upon arriving on campus after Bill O'Brien briefly took the Ohio State offensive coordinator job before bolting to Boston College. He was previously committed to Alabama before Nick Saban retired.
Noland was a high 4-star to low 5-star recruit from Georgia. He's said to be homesick, and falling behind to Sayin early all but sealed his fate at Ohio State. A tremendously gifted pocket passer, he should be valued highly in the portal.
Behind Howard, Brown, Sayin, and Lincoln Kienholz, Noland would only see playing time at Ohio State in 2024 if disaster struck. The pathway is clearer in 2025, but elite 5-star Tavien St. Clair is the heir apparent to Sayin. It's not often this type of timeline works so cleanly, but the writing is on the wall.
We could see the Buckeyes add a veteran in the portal to support their young room, though. If he returns, Kienholz will only be a third-year sophomore next season. Finding a somewhat competent body who can play in a pinch would be wise.
Meanwhile, Noland could find a home somewhere closer to Georgia. Schools throughout the SEC and ACC could use his talent. Maybe Bill Belichick will see a bright future for the sweet-throwing lefty.
