Air Noland Reveals Reason Behind His Transfer From Ohio State to South Carolina

As quarterback Air Noland begins his first spring practice at South Carolina, the former four-star recruit cleared the air on his surprising transfer from Ohio State in December.

Head coach Ryan Day’s Buckeyes had secured a spot in the College Football Playoff and were preparing to host Tennessee in the first-round when Noland, a true freshman, entered the transfer portal during the winter window on Dec. 16.

Noland (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) signed with Ohio State as the No. 7 quarterback and No. 62 recruit in the class of 2024 (247Sports).

Buried on the depth chart, he worked behind Julian Sayin, Devin Brown and Will Howard, who ultimately led the Buckeyes to a national championship.

And despite the potential opportunity to earn the starting job at Ohio State next season, Noland committed to head coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks on Dec. 23.

It was an interesting decision by Noland given the return of SEC Freshman of the Year LaNorris Sellers to South Carolina. Sellers had helped lead the Gamecocks to a 9-4 finish, the best season for the program since an 11-win year in 2013.

Expected to compete with Sellers this spring as the likely No. 2 option, Noland opened up about his departure from Ohio State on Wednesday.

The Fairburn, Georgia, native noted the close proximity to home before raving about his new supporting cast and coaches.

“The people here,” he said via 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 promoted Mike Shula from senior offensive assistant to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach ahead of the 2025 season after the departure of Dowell Loggains to Appalachian State.

Shula, a former Alabama head coach and longtime NFL coach, appears to have instilled some confidence in Noland despite Sellers likely returning as the starter next season.

“The opportunity to be a 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.”

South Carolina will open the 2025 season against Virginia Tech, Beamer’s alma mater, in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 31.