Ryan Day has his next quarterback for the future at Ohio State. During the Early Signing Day, the Buckeyes officially signed 5-star QB Air Noland in the 2024 recruiting class.

Noland is one of five 5-star prospects to sign with Ohio State on Wednesday. Whether or not he goes on to play as a true freshman, the future for Noland is bright in Columbus.

In a Wednesday interview, Day acknowledged that the name is picture-perfect for a top-tier QB. However, the qualities of Noland extend far beyond his 5-star name.

“It’s funny how it comes up ‘Air’ and then ‘No land.’ It’s really a cool name for a lot of reasons,” said Day.

As for Noland’s qualities, Day especially raved about his maturity and potential to be a great leader. The head coach also referred to the QB as “a baller” and someone he’s thrilled to get a chance to work with.

“Air is a special young man, it has nothing to do with his name. He’s got a great maturity about him, he’s a guy who really is a great leader,” Day explained. “There’s a guy who you can tell right off the bat he’s got a great maturity about him. Doesn’t take long for you to meet him before you realize how special he is. He’s got great athleticism, he’s smart and he’s going to be a very, very good leader. He can do a lot of things. I think he’s a baller, and I’m excited to get to work with him.”

The door could also be open for Noland to see early playing time as a true freshman. If Ohio State opts to avoid the transfer portal, the Buckeyes will enter the spring with Noland, Devin Brown (lined up to start the Cotton Bowl) and Lincoln Kienholz as the QBs likely to fight for playing time in 2024.