Unless something absolutely crazy happens, LaNorris Sellers is going to be the starting quarterback for South Carolina next season. However, that doesn't mean there just won't be any competition for the young quarterback and that is exactly what Ohio State transfer quarterback Air Noland brings to the Gamecocks.
There is a lot of speculation about why Noland chose to leave a backup role at Ohio State for a backup role at South Carolina, and no one is ever going to know the exact reason, but there could be many. With the way that head coach Shane Beamer runs his offense, he has been known to use both, especially in rushing scenarios.
Noland may also feel as though he is just going to be able to grow more at South Carolina than he would at Ohio State, which constantly has a very crowded quarterback room.
Everyone seemed to have their thoughts and feelings on the matter and they took to social media to let everyone know.
I keep seeing on X the everything app “Why in the world did Air Noland come to SC with Sellers still at QB?” Just quit being salty and accept we have the best damn QB room in the country.
— Buster Douglas (@Beastmode1416) December 24, 2024
It is in Shane Beamer's nature to play both quarterbacks in a game, especially is Noland has a good rushing attack. Plus it is very possible Sellers could play just one more season and choose to head to the NFL, leaving the spot open for Noland.
Air Noland going to Carolina might be the stupidest thing you could do. They have LaNorris, who will be there, started for the next 3 years, and by the time He leaves, Air will be leaving too.
— Cash (CCU 6-7) (Cards 7-8) (OKC 23-5) (@Glaring_Cash) December 24, 2024
Who said Sellers was staying for another three years? In this day and age of college football, people don't always stick around for the long haul. Now, Sellers absolutely could, but the competition at the quarterback position could also make Sellers better.
I'm not understanding this Air Noland decision at all???
— JJ Sullinger (@JJSullinger) December 24, 2024
Can someone help me out here?? Fammo didn't want to be a back up here, so he went somewhere else where he's more than likely gonna be a back up??
I'm wishing him the best, but how is this good for him??
Noland may actually have a chance to get into games at South Carolina, whereas, at Ohio State, that is a very tacked and cowed quarterback room. Competition is good for both parties involved.
Air Noland picked South Carolina over Clemson? Interesting 🤨
— Ronda (@Illpassss) December 24, 2024
Why go to Clemson when you can go to The University of South Carolina, I mean they do the own the state and all.
So many, ‘but why?’ takes on here after South Carolina lands a QB from Ohio State.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) December 24, 2024
How could the little ‘ol Gamecocks land a Buckeye?
At some point, and I’m not sure when it’ll happen, folks are going to realize players like to play for — and enjoy being around — Shane Beamer.
Having a coach who is well-liked is truly something that isn't seen in college football as much. Beamer clearly cares about his players on a personal level, and players appreciate that and want to play for him.
Air Noland to USC makes a lot more sense when you realize Julian Sayin is QB1 for Ryan Day next year
— Herman Boone (@realcoachhboone) December 24, 2024
Noland knows he is going to be a backup at both Ohio State and South Carolina, but he probably realizes he has a better shot at getting into games with the Gamecocks with the type of offense that Beamer runs.
Why are there people outside of South Carolina's base questioning Air Noland's decision? The answer is pretty simple:
— Andrew Lyon (@ALyon_SC) December 24, 2024
Kid isn't thinking about the short-term, he's thinking about the long-term. He's clearly fine with sitting for a year. This is a year-to-year sport now
Not every decision someone makes about the transfer portal is for just one year; some players are looking for a place they feel they can grow.
LaNorris Sellers and Air Noland… LET’S GO!!!
— Randy Morgan, Jr. (@RandyMorganJr) December 24, 2024
This is the energy South Carolina fans have about this. This can be a very good thing for both quarterbacks, Sellers can teach Noland a lot, while Noland can add a bit of competition for Sellers, forcing him to only get better.