Air Noland Enters Transfer Portal Again: What’s Next for the Former Top QB Prospect?
Air Noland’s college football journey continues to be one of the more puzzling storylines in the quarterback carousel. Once a top-five signal-caller in the 2024 Rivals Industry Rankings, Noland is officially back in the transfer portal, now seeking his third program in as many years. After a redshirt season at Ohio State and a limited stint at South Carolina, the Georgia native is once again in search of a landing spot - and, more importantly, meaningful playing time.
Let’s break it down.
From Columbus to Columbia - and Out Again
Noland’s college career began with promise at Ohio State, one of the premier quarterback incubators in the country. But that promise never materialized into playing time.
With a loaded depth chart that only grew more crowded - especially after the arrivals of Will Howard and Julian Sayin - Noland found himself buried. Howard’s Big Ten title run only reinforced that Noland wasn’t likely to see the field anytime soon.
So he hit the portal and landed at South Carolina, a program that seemed to offer a clearer path to the field. But once again, opportunity didn’t follow.
Noland’s 2025 season in Columbia was limited to mop-up duty in two blowout wins. His stat line?
Three pass attempts, 13 yards through the air, and a single four-yard scramble. That’s it.
The final blow came when LaNorris Sellers - the presumed starter - chose to return for another season. With Sellers staying put, Noland saw the writing on the wall and made the call to move on once again.
A Sign of the Times in the Transfer Era
Noland’s situation isn’t unique in today’s college football landscape. The transfer portal has opened the door for players to make moves quickly, but it’s also created a high-stakes game of musical chairs.
For quarterbacks especially, the margin for error is razor-thin. One misstep in picking a program - or simply being behind an entrenched starter - can stall development and derail momentum.
And that’s the tightrope Noland is walking right now. Three years in, he’s yet to take a meaningful snap at the college level. The physical tools are still there, but the reps - the real ones, not just in practice - are missing.
The Clock Is Ticking, But Time Remains
Despite the setbacks, Noland still has three years of eligibility left. That’s a valuable asset in this era, especially for a quarterback with pedigree. The key now is finding the right fit - not just a program with a flashy offense or big name, but one with a legitimate need at quarterback and a clear path to development.
When the transfer window opens on January 2, all eyes will be on where Noland lands next. This time, the decision has to be about more than just opportunity - it has to be about fit, patience, and a long-term plan.
A Broader Exodus in Columbia
Noland isn’t the only Gamecock heading for the exits. South Carolina is seeing a wave of departures, with seven scholarship players entering the portal.
Among the most notable are tight end Michael Smith and defensive lineman Zavion Hardy. It’s part of a broader reshuffling that could reshape the roster heading into 2026.
What Comes Next?
For Noland, the next step is crucial. There’s no denying the talent that made him a top recruit, but the clock is starting to tick louder. The next program he chooses needs to offer more than just a jersey - it needs to offer a plan.
Whether that’s a Group of Five school hungry for a quarterback, or a Power Five program in transition, Noland’s next stop could finally be the one that gives him a chance to show what he can do. But at this point, it’s not just about potential - it’s about proving he can turn it into production.
The journey’s been bumpy. The next chapter needs to be steady.