Air Noland could join a lighter quarterback room when enrolling at Ohio State next year.
On Monday, quarterback Kyle McCord announced his decision to enter the transfer portal after leading the Buckeyes to an 11-1 season. The news creates more uncertainty around Ohio State’s 2024 starter, but the program is poised to welcome an elite prospect next summer.
Around an hour after McCord’s reveal, Noland confirmed he’s still going to Columbus.
“I’m a 100% committed to
The Ohio State,” Noland wrote on social media.
I’m a 100% committed to
The Ohio State 🅾️🌰— Pʀᴇɴᴛɪss Aɪʀ Nᴏʟᴀɴᴅ. (@AirNoland_) December 4, 2023
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Rated as a five-star recruit by Rivals and the 247Sports composite, Noland chose Ohio State over Alabama, Clemson, Miami, Oregon, Texas A&M, and Arkansas in April. Those outlets respectively rank the 6-foot-3 lefty as the No. 3 and No. 4 quarterback from his class.
Noland solidified his standing as an elite recruit when throwing 55 passing touchdowns as a junior at Langston Hughes High School in Georgia. He’s averaging 14.4 yards per pass attempt in his senior year.
It’s uncommon for a true freshman quarterback to start for a program with national championship aspirations. Yet McCord’s departure could increase Noland’s chances of competing for playing time in 2024.
Devin Brown, who lost the starting battle to McCord this year, may currently be Ohio State’s most experienced internal option despite throwing just 22 passes. Former four-star recruit Lincoln Kienholz also looms after briefly seeing the field in his first year.
McCord’s transfer could also motivate Ryan Day to pursue the portal for a short-term replacement before handing over the Buckeyes offense to Noland. Riley Leonard, Dillon Gabriel, DJ Uiagalelei, and Cameron Ward are among dozens of quarterbacks seeking a new school this offseason.