With a crowded quarterback room at Ohio State, the future of freshman Air Noland is becoming a hot topic among college football fans. Currently sitting fifth on the depth chart after the arrival of Julian Sayin from Alabama, Noland’s prospects in Columbus may not be as bright as they once seemed. Ranked as one of four 5-star quarterbacks in the 2023 class by 247Sports, his situation raises the question: could Noland be looking for greener pastures in 2025?
Potential Transfer Portal Destinations for Air Noland
Should Air Noland decide to enter the transfer portal, several intriguing landing spots could be on the horizon. Let’s explore five potential destinations where he could make a significant impact.
#1 LSU Tigers
Imagine Air Noland donning the purple and gold of the LSU Tigers. This wouldn’t be the first time a Buckeyes quarterback found success in Baton Rouge. With Garrett Nussmeier possibly returning next year, Noland would still find himself in a less crowded quarterback room compared to Ohio State. Currently, Rickie Collins and AJ Swann, a transfer from Vanderbilt, have backed up Nussmeier but have combined for only five passes in 2024. Noland could immediately challenge for a starting position once Nussmeier departs, whether that be in 2025 or 2026. His skill set as a running quarterback could mesh well with Brian Kelly’s offensive scheme.
#2 Indiana Hoosiers
The landscape in Bloomington has dramatically shifted. After Curt Cignetti’s successful first season, the Indiana Hoosiers are in search of a successor to Kurtis Rourke. Currently, Tayven Jackson is favored to take over, but with under 1,300 yards and a lackluster 6 touchdowns to 6 interceptions over two years, there’s no guarantee he can fill those shoes. Moreover, after Ryan Day’s last-minute touchdown against Indiana in a game that was already decided, Cignetti might be motivated to snag Noland as a way to get back at the Buckeyes.
#3 Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers present another intriguing option for Air Noland. While the Tigers may have more options at quarterback, it all hinges on what Deuce Knight, a recent Notre Dame flip, can bring to the table. Currently, freshman Hank Brown is starting in place of senior Payton Thorne, and he could potentially be in the mix for the starting role. Additionally, two other freshmen, Holden Geriner and Walker White, are also vying for the position. However, Noland’s talent makes him a strong contender for the starting gig. He visited the Auburn campus multiple times in 2022, indicating a level of interest that could be rekindled after a disappointing 2024 season.
#4 Alabama Crimson Tide
What if Air Noland and Julian Sayin simply swapped places? The Alabama Crimson Tide could be a fitting destination for Noland. Not only did Alabama show interest in recruiting him out of high school, but the potential departure of Jalen Milroe for the NFL Draft could open the door for Noland. With only Ty Simpson (who has just 50 career pass attempts) as the experienced quarterback on the roster, Noland could find himself in a prime position. However, the Tide have reportedly committed over $1 million to incoming freshman Keelon Russell, which could complicate matters. Still, Noland has drawn comparisons to Michael Penix Jr., who thrived under now-Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer during their time at Washington.
#5 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Lastly, could a move closer to home be in the cards for Air Noland? The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have shown interest in the talented Georgia native and currently have some room in their quarterback rotation, which includes Haynes King, Aaron Philo, and Zach Pyron. However, Georgia Tech’s offensive strategy often relies on athletic quarterbacks who can run the football. While Noland certainly has the speed—having run track in high school—he is more suited as a pocket passer. This could present a challenge for him if he were to join the Yellow Jackets.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the future of Air Noland remains uncertain. With so many potential paths ahead of him, fans and analysts alike are eager to see where this talented quarterback will land. Will he stay at Ohio State and fight for his place, or will he seek new opportunities elsewhere? The transfer portal could open up a world of possibilities for Noland, and the excitement surrounding his next move is palpable.
In the world of college football, every decision counts, and for Air Noland, the next chapter of his career could be just around the corner. Whether he chooses to stay or go, one thing is clear: his journey is just beginning, and fans will be watching closely.
