COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Heisman Hype for LaNorris Sellers Begins Early
The buzz around LaNorris Sellers as a Heisman Trophy contender for 2025 ignited the moment South Carolina’s season ended against Clemson. Even before the Gamecocks’ bowl game was announced, fans and analysts alike began declaring, “LaNorris Sellers is a Heisman contender in 2025!”
It’s not just baseless chatter. Sellers’ name will undoubtedly appear on preseason watchlists, and for good reason. His visibility as a starting quarterback in the SEC—a position only 16 players in the world can claim each season—combined with his impressive numbers and the historical trend of QBs dominating the Heisman spotlight, makes him a legitimate candidate. Consider this: quarterbacks have won 36 of the 90 Heisman trophies awarded, and Sellers’ 2024 stats—65.6% completion rate, 2,534 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, seven interceptions, plus 674 rushing yards and seven rushing TDs—speak volumes.
Staying Grounded Amid the Hype
The question now is how Sellers will handle the heightened expectations. South Carolina hasn’t seen a quarterback garner this much national attention since Steve Taneyhill entered his sophomore season in 1993. Sellers’ calm and composed demeanor suggests he’s ready.
“He’s a competitor,” said head coach Shane Beamer, “but he never gets too high or too low.”
Sellers himself remains focused on the team. Speaking during Citrus Bowl practice, he said, “I don’t really think about it like that. I just think about it as like, it’s our team. Playing quarterback, I’ve got to be the offense, do what we’re supposed to do, but also build up the team around me.”
Sellers’ answers may lack flair, but his grounded attitude could serve him well as the pressure mounts.
Following in Taneyhill’s Footsteps
For all of Steve Taneyhill’s charisma and spotlight-loving personality, his teams rarely achieved the success needed to push him into serious Heisman contention. Three of his South Carolina squads ended with losing records. Sellers, on the other hand, has the chance to lead a more competitive team—and with the national stage that comes with playing in the SEC, his Heisman campaign has all the makings of a serious run.
The 2025 season will determine if Sellers can deliver on the hype, but for now, one thing is certain: the spotlight is on Columbia, and all eyes are on LaNorris Sellers.
