Live Report: Air Noland Transfers to South Carolina, Shaking Up the Gamecocks’ Future
Air Noland, a former 4-star quarterback and one of the top-60 recruits in the 2024 class, has officially committed to transfer to South Carolina. The decision, announced Monday, comes after Noland’s short stint at Ohio State, where he didn’t take a snap due to a crowded quarterback room. With four years of eligibility remaining, Noland is poised to make a significant impact for the Gamecocks.
A Strategic Move for Shane Beamer
For Shane Beamer, this is a notable win, even if it raises questions about timing. The Gamecocks are currently led by LaNorris Sellers, who is locked in as the starter and won’t be eligible for the NFL Draft until after the 2025 season. Sellers, coming off a strong first year as a full-time starter, is firmly in control of the quarterback position for the foreseeable future.
While it’s unlikely that Noland will overtake Sellers before the 2025 campaign, he’s positioned as the heir apparent. In the meantime, South Carolina gains a backup quarterback with enormous potential and a history of record-setting performances.
Noland’s Impressive Resume
Standing 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Noland first gained national attention as a star at Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes High School. During his junior year, he threw 55 touchdown passes, the second-highest single-season total in Georgia high school history. That same year, his team set a state record for points scored (792) and secured its first-ever state championship.
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Noland was the fourth-ranked quarterback in the 2024 class, the eighth-ranked recruit from Georgia, and the 56th overall recruit in his class.
Looking Ahead
South Carolina also bolstered its quarterback depth by signing Cutter Woods from Anderson (S.C.) Westside in the 2025 class. However, Noland’s arrival adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Gamecocks’ quarterback pipeline.
For now, Noland will likely bide his time behind Sellers, but his skillset and pedigree make him a potential game-changer for South Carolina when his moment arrives. Shane Beamer continues to build a competitive roster, and Noland’s transfer is another step toward securing the Gamecocks’ future.
