AIR NOLAND LOOKS FORWARD TO SPRING FOOTBALL, WELCOMES COMPETITION WITH JULIAN SAYIN: “WE WILL BATTLE, AND WE WILL HAVE COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE TOWARD EACH OTHER”

Ryan Day referred to Air Noland as the program’s future leader after the Buckeyes signed him on December 20, 2023.

He declared, “Air Noland is special in a lot of different ways.” “He’s high-end in the way he handles himself and conducts himself.”

The Ohio State head was equally thrilled with Noland’s on-field performance. Noland spent four seasons at Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Georgia, where he completed 67% of his throws for 10,164 yards, 126 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions before signing with the Buckeyes.

Day remarked, “He’s a baller out there.” “He produces numerous plays. He is the state champion. We spent some time down there and got to know him because he was Jelani Thurman’s high school teammate. We observed the people, the neighborhood, and the school; the coaches extolled the virtues of his leadership and skill as a player. You can tell how mature he is when you speak with him. That’s the part we adore. He seems to have a ceiling that is high. I’m excited to work with him when he gets here.

Day was speaking about Noland, the only quarterback for the Buckeyes in the 2024 class, at the time. But a month later, after Nick Saban stepped down as head coach of the Crimson Tide, Ohio State welcomed Julian Sayin, who ranks as the cycle’s top quarterback according to the 247Sports composite. Sayin had transferred from Alabama.

A action like that might have put Noland in danger. Rather, he embraces the task.

Noland said to Eleven Warriors on Saturday during The 1870 Society’s Open House at the Woody. “Julian pushes me, and I push him.”

Sayin and Noland first connected at the Elite 11 showcase in Los Angeles last summer. Sayin won MVP because of his accuracy, arm strength, and composure in the 7-on-7 match. Noland was a standout performer at the event as well. After leaving Southern California as friends, the two continued their friendship when Sayin landed in Columbus.

“He came out and won it at Elite 11, where we were buddies.” However, we’ll get to wear the pads and other gear now. We’re going to view each other like we did at the Elite 11, but as teammates now,” Noland remarked. “We’ll have to fight for it. Every day, we’ll push each other as teammates. We’re going to fight, and we’re going to be fierce competitors. That is what it means to be a true teammate and best friend.

The quarterback duel between Sayin and Noland is a small sample of the wider competition that Ohio State will host this offseason.

Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz gave erratic and unfinished efforts in Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl defeat to Missouri following Kyle McCord’s move to Syracuse. In response, the Buckeyes added Will Howard, a former quarterback for Kansas State, via the transfer portal.

Day has stated that Brown, Kienholz, and, to a lesser extent, Noland and Sayin, have a chance to be Ohio State’s QB1 in 2024, even though Howard’s experience makes him the likely front-runner.

Day declared on February 7 that “it’s going to be a fierce competition this spring.” That’s excellent. It’s beneficial. You should generally avoid Ohio State if you don’t want to compete. It improves each person in that room. They’ll accept it.

On Saturday, Noland concurred with Day’s viewpoint.

“Iron sharpens iron,” he declared, his voice resounding with assurance.

During Ohio State’s fifteen spring sessions, quarterback Noland wants to get stronger and more agile. He also hopes to improve his ability to read defenses. Noland stated that because of his background in coaching quarterbacks and managing NFL teams as well as collegiate programs, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Kelly will be a great asset in both areas.

Chip Kelly is a fantastic coach, according to Noland. “He is incredibly intelligent. He is incredibly smart. I simply adore him as a coach because of his intelligence.

Day is still working with the quarterbacks when time permits, according to Noland.

Noland remarked, “It’s been interesting to see.” “Day and Kelly have been deeply entwined and confined to one another. I am aware that Coach Kelly is a UCLA alumnus who has advanced greatly. Coach Kelly only serves to benefit our room and us once Coach Day, who has been here for a long, leaves.

This Tuesday is Ohio State’s first spring practice, which gives Noland his first opportunity to get better. He is excited about the chance.

“I’m ecstatic,” Noland exclaimed. “Every day, I want to support my teammates’ development. My goal is to continue developing, moving forward, and learning new things every day. I am aware that it is not about me. The team is the focus.