LaNorris Sellers entered the 2025 season surrounded by enormous expectations — some even mentioning his name in early Heisman Trophy conversations. Many believed the Gamecocks’ offense could make noise in the SEC. But so far, those lofty hopes have not materialized when it’s mattered most.
Saturday’s 26–7 home loss to Oklahoma marked another disappointing chapter, and ESPN analyst Booger McFarland didn’t hold back his criticism of the sophomore quarterback.
“LaNorris Sellers hasn’t quite been what I thought he would be this year,” McFarland said via X. “Add him to the list of quarterbacks that have disappointed.”
Statistically, Sellers’ day looked solid on paper — completing 17 of 26 passes — but the results told a different story. He managed only 124 passing yards and threw one touchdown, a short strike to Nyck Harbor, while averaging just 4.7 yards per attempt.
Before Saturday, Sellers had been efficient to start the season, completing 64% of his passes for 1,010 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. On the ground, he’d added 117 rushing yards and a score on 70 carries. Yet, the consistency and explosiveness many expected from him have been missing in recent weeks.
The offense’s struggles go beyond just the quarterback. Head coach Shane Beamer made a major coaching change ahead of the Oklahoma game, replacing offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley with Shawn Elliott, who also handles tight ends and the run game. Even so, the Sooners’ defense consistently brought pressure and stuffed the Gamecocks’ run attack, leaving little room for offensive momentum.
As is often the case, much of the blame falls on the quarterback when the team falters — and Sellers is now feeling that pressure with South Carolina dropping below .500.
Still, there’s little time to dwell on the setback. The Gamecocks will stay home to face No. 6 Alabama next Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, and Sellers will have a chance to redeem himself against one of the nation’s best — the same team he nearly upset last season in Tuscaloosa.
