LaNorris Sellers for Heisman? South Carolina open to embracing the hype

The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the South Carolina Gamecocks, and at the heart of the excitement is redshirt sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers. After a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him earn multiple accolades and lead his team to significant victories, Sellers has emerged as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender. But can he maintain his momentum and deliver on the national stage? South Carolina is ready to embrace the hype.

A Breakout Freshman Season
LaNorris Sellers burst onto the scene in 2024, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. As a redshirt freshman, he showcased his dual-threat capabilities, passing for over 2,500 yards and rushing for nearly 700 more. His 18 touchdown passes and seven rushing touchdowns highlighted his versatility and playmaking ability.

Sellers’ performance earned him several prestigious honors, including:

FWAA National Freshman Offensive Player of the Year

SEC Freshman of the Year (Coaches)

Second-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)

Third-Team All-SEC (Coaches)

Freshman All-SEC (Coaches)

Rex Enright Team Captain (first freshman in school history)

Steve Wadiak Team MVP

Co-Steve Spurrier MVP for Offense

Additionally, he was a finalist for the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, awarded to the state’s top college football player .

Heisman Buzz Builds
Heading into the 2025 season, LaNorris Sellers is generating significant buzz as a Heisman Trophy candidate. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. An NFL general manager recently praised Sellers, stating, “He’s the smartest quarterback we’ve evaluated since Andrew Luck. He just doesn’t make the same mistakes twice” .

Sellers’ ability to perform under pressure was evident in several games during the 2024 season. Notably, in a dramatic win over Missouri, he threw for 353 yards and five touchdowns, leading his team to a last-minute victory . Such performances have solidified his reputation as a clutch quarterback capable of leading his team to victory in high-stakes situations.

The 2025 Season Outlook
With a full season as the starting quarterback under his belt, Sellers is poised to take his game to the next level in 2025. The Gamecocks’ offense is expected to be more dynamic, with improved weapons at the skill positions and a more experienced offensive line. Sellers’ leadership and experience will be crucial as South Carolina aims to compete for an SEC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The Gamecocks’ schedule includes several high-profile matchups that will provide Sellers with opportunities to showcase his talents on a national stage. Games against ranked opponents will be critical in shaping his Heisman candidacy, as standout performances in these contests can significantly impact voter perceptions.

Embracing the Hype
South Carolina is fully embracing the excitement surrounding LaNorris Sellers’ Heisman campaign. The university and its fanbase are rallying behind their star quarterback, with marketing efforts highlighting his accomplishments and potential. The support from the community is palpable, and the Gamecocks are eager to see Sellers lead them to new heights.

Head coach Shane Beamer has expressed confidence in Sellers’ abilities and leadership. “LaNorris has the tools to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country,” Beamer said. “He’s worked hard to get to this point, and we’re excited to see what he can do this season.”

LaNorris Sellers’ rise from a promising freshman to a Heisman Trophy contender is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and leadership. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Gamecocks’ quarterback as he seeks to lead his team to success and potentially claim college football’s most prestigious individual honor. South Carolina is ready to embrace the hype, and with Sellers at the helm, the future looks bright for the Gamecocks.

“I think that’s pretty trendy, pretty slick,” South Carolina coach Shane Beamer told The State during the SEC spring meetings. A few folks on social media have already began to use the #LaHeisman hashtag on X, trying to put out into the ether what many believe: South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is a legitimate contender for the Heisman Trophy. We are past the era of the true need for a school-ran Heisman campaign. Back before every game was televised, it was on sports information directors and schools to educate Heisman voters on their player by mailing out informational material. Even when almost every game was televised, campaigns persisted. Like Washington State’s SID — trying to boost the Heisman chances of quarterback Ryan Leaf in 1998 — mailing single leaves that he found on campus to voters. More recently, Missouri spent $25,000 to create viewfinders with pictures of QB Chase Daniel to send to voters. Texas A&M marketed Johnny Manziel — who wasn’t permitted to talk to the media because he was a freshman — by creating an entire website centered around their quarterback. Just last year, Boise State ran an aggressive social media campaign — one that led to very popular shirts — called “Hei2man” centered around running back Ashton Jeanty, who wore the No. 2 jersey for the Broncos. Jeanty finished second in the voting.