LaNorris Sellers Talks Openly About Embracing Heisman Buzz: From Underappreciated to Unquestionable
LaNorris Sellers doesn’t speak like someone who’s rattled by the Heisman Trophy conversation. In fact, the South Carolina quarterback is leaning into it — with purpose. In an era where social media hype and NIL dollars often speak louder than box scores, Sellers is doing something rare: letting his game speak first, and now, finally, letting his voice be heard.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound dual-threat quarterback isn’t just “on the radar” anymore — he’s near the top of it. From underappreciated backup to the face of one of the SEC’s most dangerous offenses, Sellers’ rise is as improbable as it is undeniable.
Now, as preseason watchlists roll out and mock drafts begin to circle his name, Sellers is done playing the underdog
Let’s look at how LaNorris Sellers got here — and why the Heisman buzz surrounding him may just be the beginning of a much bigger story.
When LaNorris Sellers first arrived at South Carolina in 2023, he wasn’t exactly a household name — not even in Columbia. Overshadowed by five-star recruits and buried behind veteran quarterback Spencer Rattler, Sellers was a talented, raw prospect with dual-threat capabilities. His 6A state championship run at South Florence High School in South Carolina showcased his natural leadership and clutch gene, but few outside the state gave him serious attention.
The Gamecocks coaching staff, however, saw something others missed.
Still, Sellers’ freshman year saw him mostly on the sidelines. He threw just 4 passes in 2023. But behind the scenes, he was grinding — learning the playbook, studying film, earning the respect of the locker room.
Everything changed in 2024.
When Rattler left for the NFL, Sellers stepped in. Expectations were modest, even within Gamecock circles. The SEC, loaded with elite defenses and NFL-caliber edge rushers, isn’t known for coddling new quarterbacks. Sellers? He embraced the challenge.
In his first four starts, he threw for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for another 4. But it was his calm, controlled command of the offense that stood out
By season’s end, Sellers had racked up:
- 3,612 passing yards
- 29 touchdowns
- 9 interceptions
- 708 rushing yards
- 8 rushing TDs
Those numbers put him right behind guys like Quinn Ewers and Jalen Milroe in terms of SEC production — but what stood out even more was how he elevated South Carolina in big moments. Wins over Kentucky, Florida, and a near-upset of Georgia caught national attention.
By December, he wasn’t just a “good story” — he was a serious contender for All-SEC honors and a rising name in early Heisman predictions.
As the 2025 preseason began, a name kept surfacing: LaNorris Sellers.
ESPN’s latest Heisman Watch placed him at No. 7 — ahead of several Power 5 bluebloods. Pro Football Focus ranked him as a top-3 returning dual-threat QB. CBS Sports even listed him as a possible Day 1 NFL Draft pick next April.
But the Heisman buzz didn’t just happen overnight. Sellers earned it.
His combination of size, pocket poise, and mobility brings to mind players like Cam Newton and Dak Prescott — not just as athletes, but as program-changers. Sellers is capable of putting the Gamecocks on his back, especially when the play breaks down
Yet Sellers isn’t satisfied with buzz. He wants substance
Of course, no Heisman campaign happens in a vacuum. Sellers’ ascent has been supported by a revamped Gamecock roster, including:
- WR Nyck Harbor: The 6’5” track star has developed into a true No. 1 option. His speed stretches the field, and his chemistry with Sellers is electric.
- RB Oscar Adaway III: The North Texas transfer brings power and vision to the run game, helping balance the offense.
- OL upgrades: After a rough 2023, the offensive line showed massive improvement in 2024, giving Sellers more time to operate.
On the sidelines, Shane Beamer has fully committed to Sellers as the program’s centerpiece. The staff built the offense around his strengths — designed runs, quick reads, and deep vertical shots — maximizing what makes him special.
If there’s one noticeable change in Sellers from 2023 to 2025, it’s his voice.
Once a quiet, soft-spoken presence, he’s now taking ownership — not just of the huddle, but of the narrative. And he’s not afraid of the pressure that comes with that
His teammates back that up.
Sellers has also become a vocal figure off the field — participating in community service projects, mentoring local high school players, and leading team offseason workouts.
His leadership has even drawn comparisons to former Gamecock great Connor Shaw, though Sellers’ ceiling might be even higher.
NFL scouts have taken notice.
Several mock drafts now list Sellers as a possible late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with upside to go even higher depending on his 2025 campaign. His measurables — 6’3”, 240 lbs, 4.6 speed — are ideal. But it’s the intangibles that scouts rave about.
One major improvement that’s helped Sellers climb: mechanics and decision-making. Once reliant on raw talent, he’s now layering touch passes, reading coverages more quickly, and using his legs as a last resort, not a crutch.
If he puts up another season like 2024 — or improves upon it — Sellers could be one of the most complete quarterback prospects in the country.
So, what would it actually take for LaNorris Sellers to get to New York City in December?
Here’s the likely recipe:
- Team Success
The Heisman is rarely given to a player on a 7-5 team. If South Carolina can go 9-3 or better — especially with marquee wins over programs like LSU, Clemson, or Georgia — Sellers’ case becomes much stronger. - Highlight Moments
Heisman winners have “Heisman moments.” Think Joe Burrow’s spin move vs Georgia, or Lamar Jackson’s leap over Syracuse defenders. Sellers needs one or two nationally televised jaw-dropping plays to stamp his candidacy. - Clean Numbers
A stat line of 4,000+ passing yards, 30+ TDs, and 10+ rushing TDs — with few turnovers — would make him impossible to ignore. - Media Momentum
As the season rolls on, staying in the weekly Heisman Watch lists and garnering support from analysts and voters is crucial. He doesn’t have the Alabama or USC brand — so he’ll need undeniable production.
No South Carolina player has ever won the Heisman Trophy.
Only one — running back George Rogers — has come close. Rogers won the Heisman in 1980 after rushing for over 1,700 yards. Since then, the Gamecocks have produced legends (Jadeveon Clowney, Alshon Jeffery, Marcus Lattimore), but no one has cracked the Heisman Top 3.
Sellers has the chance to change that — and perhaps even the trajectory of the program
itself.
He’s already done more than most expected. But don’t expect him to be satisfied with buzz.
He’s chasing something bigger.
LaNorris Sellers’ story isn’t just about football. It’s about perseverance, vision, and the belief that with enough patience, hard work, and confidence — the world will catch up to what you already know about yourself.
In 2023, he was just a name on the depth chart.
In 2024, he was a breakout star.
And in 2025?
He might just be college football’s most valuable player
