Eric Boggs
Air Noland’s departure from Ohio State has left many Buckeye fans, myself included, deeply disappointed. The talented freshman quarterback officially entered the transfer portal on Monday after a season in which he did not receive a single snap during a game. This lack of opportunity is particularly frustrating given the clear potential Noland displayed during his brief time in Columbus.
Noland, the fifth-highest-rated recruit in Ohio State’s 2024 class, arrived with impressive credentials. As a four-star prospect ranked 56th overall in the 247Sports composite, he was considered the fourth-best quarterback in his class and the eighth-best player out of Georgia. At Langston Hughes High School, Noland’s accomplishments were nothing short of stellar. He led his team to a Class 6A State Championship in 2022 and earned MaxPreps Junior All-American honors after completing 73% of his passes for 4,095 yards and 55 touchdowns—just one shy of a Georgia state record.
When Noland signed his National Letter of Intent on December 20, he seemed poised to compete for a prominent role in Ohio State’s quarterback room. In fact, I believed he had a legitimate opportunity to challenge for the starting job this season. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed as the season unfolded. Noland was the only scholarship quarterback who did not see the field in 2024, even in games where Ohio State had the chance to rotate players. Despite being relegated to fifth-string status, he showed promise in April’s spring game, completing 5-of-7 passes for 47 yards and an interception while rushing for 42 yards on five carries. For my money, his dual-threat ability and performance in that game were among the most impressive in the quarterback room.
The Buckeyes’ decision to add five-star transfer Julian Sayin just a month after Noland’s commitment further complicated his path. Sayin quickly climbed the depth chart, finishing the season as the team’s third-string quarterback and emerging as the frontrunner for the starting job next year. With Sayin and another highly touted recruit, five-star Tavien St. Clair, joining in 2025, the writing was on the wall for Noland.
What makes this situation even more puzzling is the apparent trust in Devin Brown who given trash time as the backup when it became apparent that he was unlikely to secure the quarterback job long-term. Given this context, it’s hard not to wonder why Noland wasn’t given at least a token opportunity to prove himself during games this season. His talent and potential deserved more consideration, and it’s a shame that Ohio State’s coaching staff failed to see that.
Noland’s decision to enter the transfer portal means he will have four years of eligibility remaining, and I have no doubt he will be a hot commodity for programs in need of a quarterback. Coming out of high school, he garnered offers from top programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, and Oregon, among others. Wherever he lands, I expect him to thrive and prove that Ohio State missed an opportunity to develop a future star.
With Noland’s departure, Ohio State’s quarterback depth has taken another hit. Devin Brown has also entered the transfer portal, although he remains with the team for the College Football Playoff, and starting quarterback Will Howard has exhausted his eligibility. This leaves the Buckeyes potentially thin at the position for next season, raising the possibility of yet another quarterback transfer being brought in to bolster the roster.
As an Ohio State fan, I can’t help but feel let down by how this situation unfolded. Air Noland’s talent, leadership, and potential were evident, and I truly believed he had a chance to compete for the starting job. His departure is not only a loss for the Buckeyes but also a stark reminder of the challenges of managing a crowded quarterback room in today’s college football landscape. I wish Noland all the best in his next chapter, but I can’t help but think that Ohio State missed out on something special.
