Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes to land one of nation's most coveted prospects
The class of 2024 is already largely set at the quarterback position.
Ten of the nation's top 13 signal-callers have announced commitments, while the remaining few bluechip prospects are becoming red-hot commodities.
Pinnacle (Arizona) five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, the nation's No. 1 overall prospect, is primarily considering Georgia, Nebraska and USC, while the rest of the top six is locked in.
That leaves Langston Hughes (Georgia) signal-caller Air Noland, the nation's No. 7 quarterback, as one of most intriguing prospects in the country.
But that won't be the case for. much longer.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound signal-caller is set to come off the board Saturday and is down to a final seven of Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Miami, Ohio State, Oregon and Texas A&M.
So, where is he headed?
Prediction: Air Noland to Ohio State Buckeyes
The writing appears to be on the wall here.
Noland visited Ohio State last weekend and absolutely gushed about his trip.
“I feel great about Ohio State, and not just Ohio State, but the people around Ohio State,’ he said. “I think coach (Ryan) Day does a great job of developing quarterbacks and delivering information to his quarterbacks - same with coach (Brian) Hartline and coach (Corey) Dennis. They have a three-headed snake when you talk about their offense.”
Adding to the Buckeyes' intrigue is the opportunity to play with class of 2024 five-star wide receiver pledges Jeremiah Smith and Mylan Graham.
“It definitely helps a lot,” Noland said. “When you are a quarterback and have a lot of household names at the wide receiver and tight end positions, it helps you a lot. It makes your job easier. You come in knowing you have guys that have already produced at a high level. It’s eye-opening and you don’t get that at every program.”
Arkansas has a long-standing relationship with the Georgia quarterback, Clemson has also been in the mix for some time and Miami and Texas A&M is known for pulling off late surprises in the NIL era.
None of those schools should be entirely counted out, particularly Texas A&M, who is working hard for a last-minute recruiting victory.
But when it comes to the lead up to Noland's decision all signs point to Ohio State finally securing its quarterback of the future.
What are the Buckeyes getting?
A dynamic passer who intends to graduate from high school in December and arrive on the college campus of his choice in January.
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).
Ohio State has been scarlet-hot on the recruiting trail, and it looks like that will continue with the addition of one of the nation's top quarterbacks.
Junior season highlights
