South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers remains one of the most intriguing NFL prospects in the country — but his stock just took a surprising hit in the latest draft rankings.
After drawing buzz as a potential No. 1 overall pick, Sellers has fallen sharply in ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s updated NFL Draft Big Board, landing at No. 21 overall. The board measures the best players available, not necessarily the projected draft order, but the drop is still notable considering Sellers’ early-season hype.
Kiper broke down Sellers’ evaluation midway through the 2025 campaign, noting both his immense upside and ongoing inconsistencies.
“Sellers has all the talent in the world when it comes to physical traits,” Kiper wrote. “The redshirt sophomore has great size for the QB position, a live arm, and the mobility to pick up chunks of yardage on the ground (284 rushing yards in 2025). I’ve heard comps to Josh Allen and Cam Newton. But Sellers hasn’t translated all those traits into consistent production. His ball location has been erratic, and his decision-making still isn’t there. On top of that, he has taken 19 sacks, seventh-most in the FBS. Sellers is still developing as a prospect, but you can’t teach his skill set. There will be teams that get excited about his potential.”
Despite the fall, Sellers remains Kiper’s No. 4 quarterback prospect for the 2026 draft class. South Carolina continues to produce NFL-caliber talent, as wide receiver Nyck Harbor checked in at No. 9 among all receivers, while cornerback Brandon Cisse surged to No. 4 in his position group. Defensive back Jalon Kilgore also earned recognition, ranked No. 9 among safeties, though scouts remain split on whether he fits best at safety, nickel, or corner.
Sellers, a Florence, South Carolina native, still has two years of eligibility left after this season. Since he redshirted in 2023, he could declare early if he chooses — and his physical gifts alone make him a strong first-round possibility.
However, inconsistency and protection issues have slowed his momentum in 2025. After an All-SEC performance in 2024, Sellers has struggled to find rhythm behind a shaky offensive line. In response, head coach Shane Beamer made a major staff shake-up, firing offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley and moving tight ends coach Shawn Elliott to the position — hoping Elliott can bring back the success he had during his previous tenure under Steve Spurrier.
“If that happens, it will only mean good things for Sellers,” Beamer said earlier this week.
Sellers and the Gamecocks (3-3) will look to rebound on Saturday at home in Williams-Brice Stadium against Oklahoma, led by fellow NFL prospect John Mateer.
Kickoff is set for 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network and streaming on the ESPN app.
