Class of 2024 quarterbacks are flying off the board and the recruiting competition for elite signal-callers is fierce.
By week’s end 16 of the nation’s top 21 quarterbacks are expected to lock in verbal commitments, highlighting just how scarce undecided game-changing passers have become.
On Saturday, the Ohio State Buckeyes got their man, as Langston Hughes (Georgia) four-star quarterback Air Noland chose Ryan Day’s program over fellow finalists Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Miami, Oregon and Texas A&M.
“Ohio State is known for developing quarterbacks,” Noland said. “Ohio State is different.”
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound signal-caller is rated the nation’s No, 55 overall prospect and No. 7 quarterback.
Noland’s stock has risen significantly over the past year due to his overall development and a stellar junior campaign in which he led his team to a Georgia 6A state championship and nearly broke the state’s single-season touchdown passes record with 55 (and just four interceptions).
For the dynamic passer, there were several reasons for choosing the Buckeyes.
Trust in the entire coaching staff was a major factor, highlighted by head coach Ryan Day, offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and quarterback coach Corey Dennis.
“I’ll be taking my talents to Ohio State, because it’s a three-headed snake with the Ohio State offense,” he said. “Me and Coach Dennis, the quarterback coach, have a great relationship. He does a great job recruiting me and being authentic with me at all times. Him and Coach Day stopping by my school a couple of times showed their interest.”
Noland’s decision was locked in with last weekend’s visit to Columbus.
“It was a business trip,” he said. “I went in knowing what I wanted to see and what the quarterbacks have done at Ohio State. When I got there, I just wanted to see why Ohio State fits me from a quarterback situation, scheme and school. I wanted to see why Ohio State was the best fit, and I got to see why.”
Part of plan to commit this spring is the opportunity to help build an historic recruiting class.
“I’m very excited,” Noland said. “I’ve been wanting to do this for awhile. To be able to recruit a class and get everybody seeing what I’m seeing in the school I’m committing to, you kind of feel like a recruiting coordinator. It’s very fun, but I also want to put the right pieces around me.”
Noland intends to graduate in December and arrive on campus in January.
Ohio State’s 2024 class already consists of several major future pieces for the offense, including five-star wide receiver duo Jeremiah Smith and Mylan Graham, elite running back James Peoples and four coveted offensive linemen.
And now the Buckeyes have their quarterback.
Junior season highlights
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