Ryan McGee calculates the SEC's chances to produce another college football champion in 2021. (2:28).
South Carolina's Zeb Noland will be the starting quarterback.
Noland, who arrived in South Carolina as a graduate assistant for Shane Beamer’s coaching staff, will start at quarterback for the Gamecocks when they open their season against Eastern Illinois.
Noland is sharing reps with redshirt senior Jason Brown. Brown transferred from St. Francis in Pennsylvania to South Carolina. According to Tuesday's depth chart, Brown will be the backup.
Noland believed he was done playing when his North Dakota State team lost in the FCS quarterfinals to Sam Houston State. After Luke Doty had injured his left foot, Noland was offered a job as a grad assistant for Beamer's staff.
Noland, who began his playing career at Iowa State and then transferred to North Dakota State, has one year left of eligibility. Marcus Satterfield, offensive coordinator, and Beamer joked this summer that Noland may be needed at some point during the season.
It was the opening of a new chapter in human history, and it was unimaginable to anyone.
Noland was a support person for Trey Lance, 2020 NFL first-round pick, at North Dakota State. He then started this spring for the Bison. Lance and Noland have been close friends.
Noland, 6-foot-2 and 232-pounds, passed for 721 yards in his final season at North Dakota State. He had five touchdowns and six interceptions in seven games.
