Is Air Noland a dual-threat QB? Looking at Ohio State QB's rushing game

Air Noland had over 20 scholarship offers coming out of high school and chose to take his talents to Ohio State. He'll join a stacked group of Buckeyes quarterbacks in the 2024 college football season.

Is Air Noland a dual-threat QB?

While Air Noland is an impressive passer, it might be inaccurate to label him a "dual-threat QB." Noland amassed stats of 10,164 passing yards, 126 passing touchdowns and 25 interceptions in 52 high school games. He also added 111 carries, 334 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. These aren't exactly Lamar Jackson, Anthony Richardson or Cam Newton rushing stats.

While Noland ran track in high school and posted a career 11.89 100-meter dash as a sophomore, more is needed to call him a dual-threat quarterback. The Langston Hughes product does his best work as a pocket passer, and he uses his speed to elude pass rushers rather than make his way to the end zone.

Will Air Noland start in 2024?

Air Noland is entering one of the most stacked QB rooms in the country for his freshman season. Noland is currently behind Will Howard, Devin Brown, Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz on the depth chart.

Will Howard is a graduate transfer from Kansas State and is poised to be the Buckeyes' starter for the 2024 college football season. Howard's experience, vision and pocket presence will be immense for a Buckeyes side that boasts some of the best pass catchers in the country.

Devin Brown and Julian Sayin will battle for the backup spot, with both players having their merits for the role. After them, it's Lincoln Kienholz, who's a young but vibrant passer in Ohio State's system.

This year might be a learning one for Noland, as it's unlikely that he'll see the field. Don't be surprised if Noland is redshirted in his freshman season in order to preserve vital years of collegiate eligibility.

Expect Ohio State head coach Ryan Day to rotate his quarterbacks when needed and reward the best trainers with vital minutes. Whether that means Noland will see the Gridiron in Year 1 remains to be seen.