Elite Ohio State freshman QB 'likely' to hit transfer portal this offseason
The cost of building an elite roster is high upfront, and it's especially hard for big programs to keep talent within their walls if players aren't on the field right away. The Ohio State Buckeyes are no stranger to losing talented players to the transfer portal, and this offseason will be no different. Even after […]
The cost of building an elite roster is high upfront, and it's especially hard for big programs to keep talent within their walls if players aren't on the field right away. The Ohio State Buckeyes are no stranger to losing talented players to the transfer portal, and this offseason will be no different. Even after losing Will Howard to the NFL this spring, the Buckeyes can expect to see one or two others depart.
According to our own expert Ryan Roberts, Air Noland is 'the most likely entry candidate' of the group to hit the transfer portal. Despite the lack of proven names, this should be a busy portal season for quarterbacks. The 4-star quarterback has not played yet this season.
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Ohio State held a quarterback battle this offseason, but it was never not Howard's job. Noland was a distant participant, ceding the backup job to Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, and fellow freshman Julian Sayin. Sayin, who joined the program after Noland as a 5-star who transferred after Nick Saban retired, has played in three games already.
The future of the Buckeyes' quarterback position is fairly decided, and Noland may not be the only departure. I expect Brown, who will be a fourth-year junior in 2025, to also leave. He's not played especially well ever in his opportunities, and is clearly not starting caliber at Ohio State.
Instead, I'd expect Sayin to win the job in 2025 and 2026 before elite 2025 5-star Tavien St. Clair takes over the reigns.
According to sources, Noland's decision is less about the competition than it is about being homesick. The Georgia native has struggled with being so far from his family. Considering he had offers from most of the top programs, it's almost a guarantee he can land with a high-end SEC or ACC team closer to home.
Clemson, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Alabama each could make a compelling argument for Noland to transfer in.
Here's a scouting report on Noland from 247Sports expert Andrew Ivins:
A productive southpaw with a quicker release that can attack all different levels of the field. Exits high school with a 36-6 record as a starter. Made history as a junior leading his school to its first state title, but saw production dip as a senior while working with a new offensive coordinator. Still, has one of the more impressive on-field resumes in the 2024 cycle having passed for 10,164 yards and 126 touchdowns over the course of four seasons. Loves to pick apart defenses from the pocket and doesn’t take long to process. Natural arm talent flashed multiple times during in-person evaluations as he has the pace to get balls out to the numbers and the touch to drop them in over coverage. Elusive enough to get away from trouble and can move the chains every now and then with his legs. Tossed just four interceptions as a junior, but turned the ball over four times in the final game of his prep career. Must get better at limiting mistakes, but at the same time has shown that he’s not afraid to take a risk, which in turn allows him to play a bit more freely than others. Should be viewed as a potential point guard for a College Football Playoff contender that can push the pace and get his playmakers involved. Likely going to need a developmental year or two, but has early-round NFL Draft upside, especially with his business-like mindset.
