Air Noland explains why he transferred to South Carolina despite LaNorris Sellers being starter

On Dec. 23, Ohio State transfer quarterback Air Noland committed to South Carolina. Noland’s decision surprised many fans since South Carolina already has an established starting quarterback in LaNorris Sellers. On Thursday, Noland explained the reasoning behind his unexpected decision.

“The opportunity to be a play – it’s a play away,” Noland said. “You never know what’s happening when it’s time for football. The opportunity that South Carolina presented is just a great opportunity for me. I feel like Coach Beamer and Coach Shula just know that as well.”

Noland will be a redshirt freshman for the Gamecocks next season after not seeing any game action in the 2024-25 campaign at Ohio State. Despite Noland’s lack of in-game experience, he boasts plenty of potential.

Noland played high school football at Langston Hughes (GA), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 5 overall quarterback in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Now, Noland will have no choice but to compete for every snap on the field. After all, Sellers was fantastic last season, racking up 2,534 passing yards and 18 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions.

Sellers’ arm was far from his only weapon. The freshman standout also recorded 674 yards and seven scores in the ground game. While many backup QBs would be discouraged by a starter’s fantastic play, Noland is excited for the challenge.

“It pushes you each and every day. It doesn’t let you be lackadaisical. It makes you a better quarterback,” Noland said. “I feel like competition also brings the best out of you. With a quarterback like LaNorris Sellers, he’s a guy I can push and hopefully compete with and have fun with that.”

Even if Air Noland doesn’t beat Sellers for the QB1 title, there’s always a chance injury occurs and Noland’s talents are needed. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer was impressed by Noland’s fearless attitude when committing to the Gamecocks.

“Credit to him, cause all he wants is an opportunity to compete,” Beamer told reporters ahead of the Citrus Bowl. “I said to this to you guys last year, a lot of quarterbacks were interested in South Carolina because of Spencer [Rattler]. They wanted to come here, but they went on to other Power Five schools and became starters because they wouldn’t come here because I wouldn’t promise them the starting job.”