With December approaching and the next Transfer Portal window opening soon, speculation is heating up across college football. After South Carolina’s brutal collapse — blowing a 30-3 lead before falling to No. 3 Texas A&M — head coach Shane Beamer addressed swirling rumors about his starting quarterback, LaNorris Sellers.
Sellers entered the 2025 season as one of the most hyped quarterback prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. Frequently mentioned alongside high-profile names such as Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik, and Garrett Nussmeier, he was viewed as a contender for a breakout year that could vault him into first-round conversations.
But South Carolina’s season hasn’t gone remotely as planned. What was once considered a fringe playoff hopeful has instead crashed to a 3-7 record, including a shocking 1-7 mark in SEC play. The Gamecocks sit second-to-last in the conference standings — trailing even Florida and Auburn, both of whom recently fired their head coaches.
Sellers’ numbers tell a similar story. His production hasn’t been disastrous, but it hasn’t come close to meeting preseason expectations. He currently sits outside the top 50 nationally in passing yards, completion percentage, touchdowns, and passer rating. Though he’s the team’s third-leading rusher, the efficiency isn’t there either: 129 carries for 186 yards, averaging just 1.4 yards per attempt.
Sellers’ Options Going Into 2026
Despite the disappointing year, Sellers still holds significant options regarding his future. With remaining eligibility, a strong season and a competitive South Carolina squad might have pushed him toward the NFL Draft. But as November hits, that path feels far less appealing.
The alternative — and the one generating the most noise online and in media circles — is the transfer portal. It’s a possibility Beamer understandably isn’t thrilled to discuss, either because of the implications or simply because it’s become a public topic.
Sellers hasn’t made any public statements about leaving, but there are reasons the idea keeps resurfacing. According to 247Sports, South Carolina currently holds the No. 21 recruiting class for 2026. While solid, it’s not the type of ranking that would fully eliminate thoughts of pursuing a stronger situation elsewhere.
At this stage, the conversation remains driven almost entirely by speculation. Until Sellers announces a decision, nothing definitive can be concluded about his future plans.
Still, several programs continue to be linked to the quarterback. Miami has been a consistent name in the rumor mill. Clemson may also enter the mix if Cade Klubnik departs, and with Dabo Swinney reaffirming his commitment to the program, Sellers could become one of the biggest portal gets of the offseason.
There are also whispers about former Penn State coach James Franklin potentially negotiating with Virginia Tech — another spot where a quarterback like Sellers could make an immediate impact under a new regime.
At the same time, some fans and analysts believe Sellers may choose to stay in Columbia, committing to South Carolina despite a rough 2025 season.
For now, the quarterback’s future remains a major storyline to watch as the portal window draws near.
