The No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a massive showdown in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday against the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers, with the winner earning the right to face the No. 1 Oregon Ducks in the quarterfinals the following week.

However, the Buckeyes were dealt some unfortunate news on Monday afternoon, as five-star true freshman quarterback Air Noland officially entered his name into the transfer portal. Noland’s decision makes him the second Ohio State quarterback to enter the portal since the season ended, joining Devin Brown.

Noland still has four years of eligibility remaining and is now poised to become one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the portal. A top-five ranked quarterback in the class of 2024 when he committed to Ohio State, his next move will likely be closely watched by college football programs across the nation.

While this is an unfortunate development for the Buckeyes program, Noland faced an uphill battle to become the starting quarterback at Ohio State. 

The likely scenario now is that five-star Alabama transfer Julian Sayin will be the front-runner to start next season. Following Sayin, five-star quarterback and the No. 2 ranked player in the Class of 2025, Tavien St. Clair, is expected to be the next in line.

Noland’s path to becoming the Buckeyes’ starter was never easy or straightforward, given the depth and talent in Ohio State’s quarterback room.

 With all of his eligibility remaining, transferring now makes the most logical sense. Noland is now poised to be one of the most attractive prospects in the portal, with a multitude of schools across the country likely vying for his services.