Ohio State freshman QB Air Noland puts on back-to-school event in Southside Atlanta

Quarterback Air Noland came to Ohio State as one of the best quarterbacks in the Class of 2024. Now, he’s looking to give back to the community that he grew up in.

As On3’s Phillip Dukes shared, Noland has given away 250 backpacks and school supplies during a back-to-school event. On top of all of that, he’s also set up a little party for the kids in Southside Atlanta. That included a bouncy house, face painting, petting zoo, smoothies, and Kona ice.

You can check out an image from Air Noland giving back to his community, here:

Ohio State QB Air Noland @AirNoland_ gave away 250 backpacks and a ton of school supplies Today; plus he had a bouncy house, face painting, a mini-petting zoo, smoothies and Kona ice all for the kids on the Southside of Atlanta. Phenomenal young man! pic.twitter.com/OEQC4Uo6qi

— Phillip Dukes (@DukestheScoop) July 28, 2024

Air Noland was born in College Park, Georgia before he went on to play his high school football at Langston Hughes, which is in Fairburn. It was there in 2022 when he was able to lead Langston Hughes to a state championship and a perfect season for the first time in school history.

Along the way, Noland became one of the best quarterbacks in the 2024 cycle. He committed to Ohio State as a four-star recruit and the fifth-ranked quarterback overall, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

At Ohio State, Air Noland finds himself in a very deep quarterback room. Will Howard came to the school as a veteran transfer and is expected to start. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes return a former five-star recruit in Devin Brown. Then, on top of that, Ohio State brought in another five-star from the 2024 cycle in Julian Sayin, who transferred before playing a game at Alabama.

That depth is going to give Noland time before he likely hits the field at Ohio State and should give him time to adjust to the college game. Still, he’s not waiting to do what he can to give back to Southside Atlanta and the community that helped get him to where he is today.

Ryan Day updates quarterback competition heading into fall camp

Ahead of Fall Camp, Ryan Day shared an update on where Ohio State’s quarterback competition currently stands.

“Going into the spring, only Devin and Lincoln [Kienholz] were the only ones who had been in the offense. Julian, Will, and Air had not been in offense. So, they were a little behind in terms of understanding,” Day said.

“Now, going into the summer, they’re been in and out for six months. So, I think we’re going to get a true feel for how those guys understand the offense. I think in the first two weeks, we’re going to get a good idea.”