Air Noland Clears the Air on Ohio State Exit, Embraces New Opportunity at South Carolina
As quarterback Air Noland begins his first spring practice at South Carolina, the former four-star recruit has addressed his surprising transfer from Ohio State in December.
Head coach Ryan Day’s Buckeyes were gearing up for a College Football Playoff showdown against Tennessee when Noland, a true freshman, shocked many by entering the transfer portal on Dec. 16.
At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Noland was a highly sought-after prospect, signing with Ohio State as the No. 7 quarterback and No. 62 overall recruit in the 2024 class (per 247Sports). However, buried on the Buckeyes’ depth chart behind Julian Sayin, Devin Brown, and Will Howard—who ultimately led Ohio State to a national championship—his path to playing time seemed uncertain.
Rather than waiting for a potential shot at Ohio State’s starting job next season, Noland made a bold move, committing to head coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks on Dec. 23.
The decision raised eyebrows, considering SEC Freshman of the Year LaNorris Sellers was already entrenched as South Carolina’s starter after leading the team to a 9-4 finish, their best season since 2013.
Now expected to compete with Sellers this spring for the No. 2 quarterback role, Noland spoke candidly about his departure from Ohio State and what drew him to Columbia.
“The people here,” Noland told The State’s Jordan Kaye. “They really enjoy it here. They really take in coach Beamer’s words. The offense feeds off coach (Mike) Shula and stuff like that. Also, just the experience they have here – SEC football. I feel like it’s a great opportunity to showcase my skills and talent.”
South Carolina recently promoted Mike Shula from senior offensive assistant to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach following the departure of Dowell Loggains to Appalachian State.
Shula, a former Alabama head coach and longtime NFL coach, has already instilled confidence in Noland, despite Sellers likely holding onto the starting job next season.
“The opportunity to play—it’s a play away,” Noland said. “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.”
The Gamecocks will open the 2025 season with a marquee matchup against Virginia Tech, Beamer’s alma mater, at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 31.
