Ohio State freshman QB Air Noland is already fired up for The Game
It’s never too early to start preparing for The Game when you’re at either Michigan or Ohio State, and Buckeyes quarterback signee Air Noland knows that better than anyone.
On Thursday morning, Noland posted a graphic to his Instagram account featuring an Ohio State helmet right next to a Michigan helmet with the caption “296 Days.” Suffice it to say he’s well aware when the next edition of The Game will be played.
Noland was one of the prize recruits for Ohio State in a class chock full of them.
The four-star prospect was rated as the No. 59 overall player in the class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He also checked in as the No. 5 quarterback in the class and the No. 9 overall player in the state of Georgia.
Noland will come in as one of a handful of quarterbacks looking to replace Kyle McCord, who departed this offseason via the transfer portal.
Will Howard will be the favorite to win the job after transferring in from Kansas State, but Noland was recruited for a reason. He’ll play a part in the decision-making process. And it’s great to see he’s already locked into the history of one of college football’s biggest rivalries.
Air Noland as a recruit
Below is the scouting report on Air Noland as a recruit. Needless to say, he’s got some definite talent the Buckeyes will be able to take advantage of.
“Instinctual, accurate southpaw passer who shredded opposing defenses through the air as a junior. Was the most productive passer among top 2024 quarterbacks. Measured in at around 6-foot-2, 185 pounds with a 9-inch hand in the spring prior to his senior season. Has a streamlined frame with thinner shoulders.
“Had a monster junior season, completing 73.1% of his passes for 4,095 yards (12.7 yards per attempt) for 55 touchdowns against four interceptions. Led Langston Hughes to a state title in a high classification and helmed an offense that set the state record for most points scored.
“Shows high end field vision with the ability to go through his reads and find open receivers. At his best as a reliable distributor to talented skill players. Throws with timing and touch. Accurate to all levels and shows the ability to layer the football and locate throws into small windows. Arm strength is solid, but may not be on the level of some of his highly-ranked peers. Plays with an advanced feel and shows a nice internal clock against the pass rush.
“A pass-first quarterback but has some creativity and mobility when needed. One of the safest bets among quarterbacks in the 2024 cycle given his on-field success and production relative to his peers.”