Ohio State’s Quarterback Ranks Thin as Freshman Air Noland Takes Leave
The Ohio State Buckeyes’ typically robust quarterback lineup has taken an unexpected hit with the news that freshman Air Noland has temporarily stepped away from the program for personal reasons. Currently back in Georgia, his future with the team hangs in the balance, though there is optimism about his eventual return.
Sources within the Ohio State football program revealed to Bucknuts that Noland’s departure is rooted in personal matters, and it’s unclear when he might rejoin the Buckeyes. Despite the uncertainty, head coach Ryan Day is fully supportive of Noland’s decision, underscoring the program’s commitment to his well-being over football matters.
From a strategic standpoint, Noland’s absence is not deemed critical for Ohio State. The promising freshman, who showed signs of potential in the Spring Game, was projected to be fourth or fifth in the quarterback pecking order for the upcoming season. Upon signing in December, he was rated as the seventh-best quarterback in his class and was initially thought to be edging out competition, including Alabama transfer Justin Sayin.
However, Bucknuts reports that Sayin has consistently outperformed Noland throughout the spring, diminishing the immediate impact of Noland’s departure. While this development may stall Noland’s growth within the program, it’s not expected to disrupt the team’s depth at quarterback.
Off the field, Noland’s situation prompts an outpouring of support, echoing head coach Ryan Day’s advocacy for mental health awareness. The program affirms that Noland’s health and personal well-being are paramount, suggesting no rush for his return.
Yet, the situation raises questions about Noland’s future with Ohio State. With the looming challenge posed by Justin Sayin and the anticipated addition of five-star recruit Tavien St. Clair, speculation mounts about Noland potentially exploring options outside of Ohio State, possibly through the transfer portal.
As the sporting community rallies around Noland during this period, the broader implications for his career and Ohio State’s quarterback lineup remain a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
The Ohio State football team is currently without one of its quarterbacks
That loaded Ohio State football quarterback room isn’t quite as loaded right now. True freshman Air Noland is currently at home in Georgia.
Bucknuts is quoting a source within the Ohio State football program who said Noland is not with the team for personal reasons. It is not known when he will return to the Buckeyes, but the source feels he will be in Georgia for a while. Noland has the full backing of Ryan Day and is expected to join the program again at some point.
From a football perspective, this is not a blow to the Buckeyes. Noland was going to be fourth or fifth on the quarterback depth chart. He signed with the Buckeyes during the early period in December as the number seven player at the position. A very good performance in the Spring Game led many to believe he was ahead of fellow true freshman and Alabama transfer Justin Sayin.
But Bucknuts’ source in the OSU program said that Sayin was by far the better quarterback throughout the spring. Noland’s absence will certainly slow his development, but it will not have an effect on the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation.
From a personal perspective, you want Air Noland to take all the time needed to work through any issues he may be having. Ryan Day and his wife are very big proponents of mental health awareness, so there will be no pressure from the OSU head coach to make a return until Noland feels he is ready. Regardless of where Noland may fit on the depth chart, the most important thing is he properly takes care of himself.
Because of the situation, I don’t want to get into this too much, but the elephant in the room needs to be addressed: is this the beginning of the end of Air Noland’s time as a Buckeye? Right now, I’m leaning toward him not returning. I can see the combination of his personal problems, plus the presence of Sayin (the country’s top recruit), along with the impending arrival of five-star Tavien St. Clair in the next recruiting class, causing Noland to enter the transfer portal.
The sincere hope is Air Noland is able to work through his problems and have a very productive college football career with the Buckeyes or another school.
Edit: It turns out that Bucknuts had it wrong and Noland is actually with the program. That’s good to hear. I hope it stays that way because he’s a very talented quarterback.
