ESPN names South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers as top-10 Heisman candidate
With national media outlets buzzing and ESPN’s latest rankings placing him among the top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for the upcoming season, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers finds himself on the national stage in a way few Gamecocks have before. But if you ask the Florence native what the moment means, he’ll tell you one thing: “It’s bigger than me.”
We’ve imagined what a full, in-depth press conference with Sellers might sound like following the announcement—reflecting his likely humility, leadership, and competitive fire.
Opening Remarks
“First off, I just want to thank God for giving me this opportunity to even be in this position. I also want to thank my coaches, my teammates, and the University of South Carolina. Without them, none of this would even be possible.
When I saw my name on that list, I was definitely honored. You grow up watching guys like Lamar Jackson, Bryce Young, Joe Burrow, and Caleb Williams win the Heisman—and now to even be mentioned in the same conversation is surreal. But honestly, I haven’t really done anything yet. We haven’t played a down this season. For me, this is more motivation than it is celebration.”
On How He Found Out
“I was actually in the film room with Coach Loggains, going over some third-down stuff we didn’t execute the way we wanted last scrimmage. Then my phone started buzzing. My brother sent me a screenshot, and I just smiled.
But we didn’t talk about it long. Coach just looked at me and said, ‘Keep stacking days. One at a time.’ And that’s how I’m trying to approach it. Stay humble, stay hungry.”
On What the Heisman Watch Means for South Carolina
“That part’s the most exciting to me. This ain’t just about me—it’s about this program and the direction we’re heading in.
To have South Carolina in the national spotlight in May, to be part of those preseason talks… it shows that people are starting to respect what we’re building. It shows recruits, fans, and even our own locker room that we’re capable of playing at a championship level.
I want to help change the narrative around Gamecock football. And we’re going to do that by winning games, not chasing awards.”
On How He’s Handling the Hype
“I keep a small circle. I try to block out the noise. I’ve learned early that praise and criticism are two sides of the same coin—you can’t let either one define you.
The guys in that locker room keep me grounded. We’ve got leaders all over this team—guys like Tree [Nick Emmanwori], Juice [Antwane Wells], and Rocket [Sanders] pushing me every day. They don’t care about the hype—they care about what you’re doing in the weight room, in film study, and on the field.”
On the Work Behind the Scenes
“I think people forget that for every touchdown they see on Saturday, there’s 100 quiet reps behind closed doors that made it possible.
This offseason, I’ve worked more on the mental side of the game. I want to be able to see defenses before the snap the way elite QBs do. I’ve spent hours with Coach Loggains, learning how to manipulate safeties, recognize disguises, and speed up my reads.
Physically, I’ve added about 12 pounds of muscle. I feel stronger in the pocket, more explosive when I run, and more durable overall. If I’m going to lead this team deep into the postseason, I’ve got to be able to take hits and keep going.”
On the Heisman Legends He Grew Up Watching
“Man, so many. I used to watch Lamar Jackson highlights before high school games. The way he could just change a game with his legs and arm—it inspired me.
Cam Newton too. That 2010 season he had? Unreal. I liked how he played with swagger but also led with toughness.
And you gotta respect someone like CJ Stroud, who did it with pinpoint accuracy and composure. Those guys showed me that being a Black quarterback, you can be dynamic and cerebral. You can be flashy and fundamentally sound.”
On His Goals for the 2025 Season
“Team first, always. Our number one goal is to win the SEC East and get to Atlanta. I believe we have the talent and coaching to get there.
Beyond that, we want to make the College Football Playoff. That’s something that’s never happened at South Carolina, and we believe we can change that.
Individually, I just want to get better every week. I want to complete more than 65% of my passes, limit turnovers, and be more efficient in the red zone. If I do that and we win games, the rest will take care of itself.”
On the Expectations from Fans and the Media
“I know expectations come with being a starting QB in the SEC. But pressure is a privilege. That means people care. That means we’re relevant.
The love from Gamecock Nation has been amazing. Everywhere I go—whether it’s at the store or just walking around campus—people are excited. They believe in us. And I want to make them proud. But I tell folks all the time: trust the process. This is a long journey.”
On How He Stays Grounded
“My mom and dad. They keep me humble. My mom still tells me to clean my room and take out the trash. She reminds me that football’s temporary, but character lasts forever.
Faith plays a big role in my life too. I try to stay rooted in something bigger than sports. That’s what helps me keep perspective.”
“I appreciate the recognition—don’t get me wrong. It’s a blessing. But I didn’t come to South Carolina for individual awards. I came here to win games, compete for championships, and elevate this program.
Being mentioned as a Heisman candidate is cool, but you know what would mean more? Beating Georgia. Winning the SEC. Holding up that trophy with my teammates.
At the end of the day, it’s not about headlines in May. It’s about who’s holding the trophy in January. That’s what we’re chasing.”
With a rare mix of maturity, humility, and confidence, LaNorris Sellers is handling his rise into the national spotlight with poise beyond his years. As ESPN and others continue to watch his development this season, Sellers remains focused on the only outcome that truly matters—winning for South Carolina.
Whether or not he ultimately hoists the Heisman Trophy, one thing is clear: he’s already become the face of a program that’s hungry for national relevance. And he’s ready for the weight that comes with it.
