South Carolina is on the verge of a significant offseason triumph as quarterback LaNorris Sellers is reportedly close to agreeing to stay with the Gamecocks for the 2026 season. This decision, as reported by CBS Sports, would ensure that one of the SEC’s most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks continues to lead the team amid changes in coaching and the aftermath of a challenging season.
Sellers, a redshirt sophomore, has been at the helm for South Carolina over the past two years, contributing to the team’s efforts with a remarkable total of 43 touchdowns. He burst onto the scene as a standout player in 2024, although the 2025 season was less stable for both him and the team. The Gamecocks finished with a disappointing 4-8 record, including a difficult 1-7 in SEC matchups.
Even through the team’s offensive struggles, Sellers has managed to maintain impressive stats, throwing for 2,437 yards with 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions in 2025, alongside five rushing scores. His 2024 season saw him achieve 2,534 passing yards, 18 touchdown passes, and seven interceptions, as well as 674 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Those achievements earned him recognition as the SEC Freshman of the Year.
At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Sellers possesses the mobility and strong arm that have made him a highly regarded figure in national conversations ahead of the January transfer portal window. His decision will have significant implications, both for South Carolina and the broader college football landscape, as proven quarterbacks are expected to attract considerable interest and investment.
Choosing to stay at South Carolina rather than exploring the transfer market or entering the NFL Draft will be pivotal for head coach Shane Beamer, who has a record of 33-30 over five seasons, including a 16-24 SEC performance. Recently, he hired Kendal Briles from TCU as the new offensive coordinator, marking a third offensive coordinator change in just three years.
Briles’ appointment signals a commitment to revamping South Carolina’s offense, which struggled with consistency and protection, allowing an alarming 43 sacks in the previous season. At his introductory press conference, Briles made it clear that the success of the 2026 season hinges greatly on the quarterback position, starting with Sellers.
His philosophy focuses on adapting the offense to the strengths of players rather than imposing a strict system. “It’s really more about the offense fitting around him,” Briles emphasized. “He’s touching the ball every single snap. I’m not going to go out there and ask him to do something that he’s not great at.”
Sellers’ anticipated decision has drawn attention across college football, with many teams eager to upgrade their quarterback situation. Should he finalize his return, it would not only solidify South Carolina’s leadership going into 2026 but also provide a sense of stability as the program seeks to rebound from its previous season’s challenges. Retaining Sellers and building the offense around him could be the cornerstone for renewed success for the Gamecocks.