2026 QB Spotlight: How High Can LaNorris Sellers Rise?

Kevin looks at a potential 2026 QB1 LaNorris Sellers!

LaNorris Sellers may have entered 2024 as an unknown to the casual fan, but he ended the year as one of the fastest-rising quarterbacks in the country. After being handed the reins as South Carolina’s starting QB coming out of fall camp, Sellers delivered a breakout redshirt freshman season that earned him SEC Freshman of the Year honors.

He put up impressive numbers through the air, completing nearly 65% of his passes for 2,274 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. But it was his dual-threat ability that truly separated him. Sellers added 674 rushing yards and seven more scores on the ground, showcasing the kind of mobility that gave SEC defenses headaches all season. His longest run of the year—a 75-yard sprint—underscored the explosive upside he brings to the position.

The season didn’t start clean. Turnovers were a real issue early, including a rough showing against Alabama that pushed his total to 11 (seven fumbles, four interceptions). But instead of folding, Sellers responded like a veteran. Over the final six games of the season, he led South Carolina to a six-game winning streak—beating multiple ranked teams—and drastically improved his efficiency: 67% completion rate, 1,481 yards, 13 TDs to just 3 INTs, plus 436 rushing yards and four more scores.

Sellers didn’t just flash potential—he showed real development week to week, and that growth now has him firmly on the radar for devy and dynasty managers looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Coaching, Scheme, and Depth Chart

Now that South Carolina has its quarterback of the future, how does the infrastructure around him set him up for continued success? Let’s break down the coaching staff, offensive system, and what the depth chart looks like heading into 2025.

South Carolina is entering a new era on offense with Mike Shula stepping in as the full-time offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. After spending the 2024 season as a senior offensive assistant and working directly with LaNorris Sellers, Shula now takes over play-calling duties following Dowell Loggains’ departure to Appalachian State. Shula’s promotion keeps continuity in the quarterback room and brings decades of NFL experience to the Gamecocks' sideline, including offensive coordinator stints with the Panthers, Giants, and a Super Bowl appearance in 2015 where he helped Cam Newton win MVP.

While this will be Shula’s first year calling plays at the college level in over a decade, don't expect a dramatic scheme overhaul. He already had a major influence on the offense last season and has talked about tailoring the system to better unlock Sellers’ dual-threat skill set. The goal is clear: build a balanced offense that allows Sellers to stay healthy, make smart decisions, and use his athleticism without taking unnecessary hits.

Head coach Shane Beamer enters his fifth season leading the program and continues to elevate expectations in Columbia. His 2024 team finished 9-4 and ended the season ranked inside the Top 20. That run included four wins over ranked opponents and a six-game win streak to close the year. With experience on the staff and a rising star at quarterback, South Carolina has the pieces in place to make noise again in 2025.

2025 Offensive Outlook

The wide receiver group has a mix of potential and questions, but there's a strong foundation forming. Nyck Harbor looks poised to take over as the top option after posting 376 receiving yards last year, most of which came in the final five games. With a full offseason focused solely on football, Harbor could push for a breakout campaign. Mazeo Bennett Jr. is another strong candidate to emerge after leading all wideouts with 30 receptions as a true freshman. His chemistry with Sellers is already well established.

Freshman Brian Rowe Jr. opened eyes in the spring game and has the tools to be a factor right away. Donovan Murph didn’t enroll early, but he has the talent to contribute once he settles in. Transfer Vandrevius Jacobs adds experience and flashed improved athleticism in the spring. Jared Brown is another versatile piece who should carve out a role in the rotation and bring needed speed to the offense.

Projected 2025 Depth Chart (Offense)

• QB1: LaNorris Sellers

• RB1: Rashul Faison

• WR1: Nyck Harbor

• WR2: Mazeo Bennett Jr.

• WR3: Brian Rowe Jr.

• WR4: Jared Brown

• TE1: Michael Smith

• OL: Anchored by veterans with expected continuity across the interior

South Carolina’s offense is one of the more intriguing units in the SEC. It may not be overflowing with household names yet, but the staff has stability, the quarterback is rising, and the young core around him is growing. With the foundation in place, all eyes now turn to Sellers.

Now that we’ve broken down the system around him, let’s dive into the scouting report and evaluate what makes LaNorris Sellers one of the most exciting quarterback prospects heading into the 2026 NFL Draft cycle.

Scouting Report

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