Air Noland finds perfect landing spot after leaving Ohio State before College Football Playoff
The Ohio State Buckeyes knew Air Noland was set to leave the program months ago, and his fate was all but sealed shortly after Julian Sayin's arrival. We first reported that Noland and Devin Brown were likely to hit the portal months ago. Noland was the first to name his next destination, opting against staying […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes knew Air Noland was set to leave the program months ago, and his fate was all but sealed shortly after Julian Sayin's arrival. We first reported that Noland and Devin Brown were likely to hit the portal months ago. Noland was the first to name his next destination, opting against staying with the Buckeyes through the College Football Playoff.
Brown is still with Ohio State through the Playoff, which might be a sign his next destination will have a cleaner path to playing time, or he's comfortable competing. Noland, who was homesick and buried on the Buckeyes' depth chart, was still able to accomplish two major goals with his move to South Carolina.
The 4-star quarterback has all four years of eligibility left after not playing a down for the Buckeyes. The left-handed pocket passer struggled to adjust to Ryan Day's offense, shedding his black stripe well after Sayin did. There was never a chance he was breaking into the rotation this fall, as Lincoln Kienholz was also ahead of him.
South Carolina isn't quite as crowded and is closer to home for Noland. While LaNorris Sellers is only a year ahead of Noland, at least Noland can be his direct backup. If Sellers develops quickly, he could become an NFL Draft prospect in time.
Even if he doesn't, Noland will see the field at some point and have the chance to transfer again if Sellers controls the job for three more seasons.
I thought Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, or Clemson would've been options with clearer pathways to seeing the field as a starter. However, South Carolina has momentum as a program right now, so it's understandable that Noland would give Shane Beamer a shot.
The Gamecocks are loaded with elite athletes all over and play a physical brand of football. Discipline and consistency are their issue, but those things can come in time as the roster develops and grows.
For Ohio State, keeping Kienholz is now more important. Assuming Brown is out the door next, only Sayin, 2025 5-star Tavien St. Clair, and then Kienholz will be on the roster. They could look to add another playable veteran who could step in if an emergency develops.
