South Carolina names graduate assistant as week one starting quarterback

When the South Carolina Gamecocks open their season against Eastern Illinois, they will have a surprise starter at quarterback. With presumed starter Luke Doty still working his way back from injury, South Carolina has named graduate assistant coach Zeb Noland its starting quarterback in week one. Doty is not listed on South Carolina’s week one depth chart.

Noland is listed as the starter with Jason Brown listed as the backup. Noland played three seasons at Iowa State before transferring to North Dakota State last season. There, he was expected to back up third overall pick Trey Lance. The Covid-19 pandemic postponed the FCS season, and Lance left to prepare for the NFL Draft. Noland stepped up to the starting job and threw for 721 yards with five touchdowns and six interceptions in the spring.

Noland was on South Carolina’s coaching staff just weeks ago

Due to Covid-19 rules, Noland still has one season of eligibility remaining. With South Carolina dealing with Doty’s injury just days remaining until the regular season, they turn to a quarterback with experience in Noland. The Gamecocks will utilize his final season of eligibility, and Noland now has a big role right away.

“[Noland] arrived here in June as a graduate assistant with eligibility still remaining,” South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer said when adding Noland to the roster. “He has great experience, and most important has played in a football game a heck of a lot more recent than anyone else on the team.”

Doty’s foot injury has caused South Carolina to scramble a little bit in terms of naming a starting quarterback. Jason Brown transferred in from St. Francis, but has not played since 2019. Brown transferred to South Carolina in the spring instead of playing in the spring FCS season.

Noland is happy for the opportunity to return to the field

When South Carolina added Noland to the active roster, it was a surprise, but Noland was ready for the opportunity. When Beamer told him he was joining the roster, Noland was ready to get to work.

“It was Sunday, and it was, ‘Let’s get the ball rolling,'” Noland said on what Beamer told him. “‘Go out there and do the best you can.’ I didn’t work out with the team all summer. I did my own little workout. An old man workout, just lifting some weights. I came back and just did the best I can.”

Doty is expected to return as South Carolina’s starter when his injury is fully healed. For now, though, Noland has a unique opportunity ahead of him.