Air Noland’s college football journey is about to add another chapter.
The South Carolina quarterback is reportedly set to enter the NCAA transfer portal, marking his second move in as many years after a brief stint with the Gamecocks. Noland, who transferred to Columbia from Ohio State ahead of the 2025 season, saw limited action this fall, appearing in just two games.
His on-field reps were minimal-he didn’t log a stat in South Carolina’s 38-10 win over South Carolina State in September, and in a late-season blowout of Coastal Carolina, he completed two of three passes for 13 yards and added a short 4-yard run. But even with such a small sample size, Noland’s name still carries weight, especially when you consider his pedigree and potential.
Let’s rewind a bit. Noland came out of Langston Hughes High School in College Park, Georgia, as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country.
A four-star recruit and the seventh-ranked QB in the 2024 class per 247Sports Composite, he was also rated the ninth-best overall player in Georgia. His left-handed delivery and poise in the pocket turned heads early, and he landed at Ohio State with high expectations.
But Columbus was crowded. Noland redshirted in 2024, sitting behind a stacked depth chart that included Will Howard, Devin Brown, Julian Sayin, and Lincoln Kienholz. That kind of logjam makes it tough for any young quarterback to find a path to the field, so Noland made the move to South Carolina, looking for a clearer runway to playing time.
There was a window of opportunity in Columbia. Had LaNorris Sellers opted to declare for the NFL Draft, Noland might’ve been in line to compete for the starting job in 2026. But with Sellers deciding to return, Noland now finds himself once again looking for a situation where he can grow and, eventually, lead an offense.
When the portal opens on January 2, Noland will be a redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining-a rare combination of youth and experience that should appeal to programs in search of a developmental quarterback with upside. He’s still early in his college career, and while he hasn’t had the chance to showcase much on the field yet, his high school tape and recruiting profile suggest there’s more to unlock.
For now, Noland’s next stop is unknown. But given his background, his arm talent, and the fact that he’s already had a taste of two major programs, don’t be surprised if he draws interest quickly. The quarterback carousel in college football never stops spinning-and Air Noland is back on the ride.