LaNorris Sellers stole the show in 2024. After grabbing the starting QB job in fall camp, he never let go. The Gamecocks found their spark, and Sellers lit it up. He dazzled with poise, power, and playmaking. However, the result? SEC Freshman of the Year and now, South Carolina’s Male Athlete of the Year. Named the top dog at the annual Athletics Gala, Sellers has officially arrived. So, one breakout season with countless highlight moments. And now, the best part? He’s just getting started.

LaNorris Sellers wasn’t just good last season—he was electric. He completed nearly 65% of his throws for 2,274 yards and 17 TDs. He also ran wild, adding 674 yards and 7 scores on the ground. So dual-threat? More like double trouble. Honestly, his ability to make plays through the air and on the run turned heads across the country. And one of those heads? Brooks Austin of Sports Illustrated. He didn’t hold back, calling Sellers the top QB heading into 2025. “The quarterback position requires elite physical traits to win, which Sellers has in abundance. Though perhaps the most important trait is the ability to rapidly grow and develop at the position,” stated Austin. Now, the national spotlight is locked in. And his rise might just confirm Shane Beamer’s path to the CFP.

On3’s J.D. PicKell didn’t hold back, and he made his stance crystal clear—he’s all in on South Carolina. The Gamecocks, in his eyes, are playoff material. But why? Two words: LaNorris Sellers. “I’ll say this: I have been extremely vocal about my fatuation—infatuation, I think is the correct way to phrase that—with South Carolina and what they are. If we were picking the playoff today—or not, we’re going to do that closer to the season in the summertime—but if we were picking the playoff today, I’d put South Carolina in the dance. I would, because I feel that strongly about who LaNorris Sellers is now. I feel that strongly about them making the College Football Playoff right now because of who LaNorris Sellers is—yes—but also because of what they have from a roster talent perspective,” said PicKell.

So, PicKell believes the Gamecocks have their guy. A star at QB. A loaded roster behind him. And a shot at making noise on the biggest stage in CFB. Then, J.D. PicKell painted the picture perfectly. LaNorris Sellers has that “it” factor. He’s the kind of player who can change the script on any given Saturday. But is that enough? “In my opinion, being close enough to where LaNorris Sellers can then elevate you to make the difference in any given game—is that the case? That’s where this thing gets slippery. It’s where this thing has a little more nuance to it. Because what I just said—you have a leading man, right? You got a guy that can make the whole movie go. You got Leonardo DiCaprio in your cast—it’s gonna be a good movie. Is it a playoff-caliber movie? I don’t know.”

Simply put, Sellers is the star. No question. He’s got the traits, the swagger, and the arm. But for South Carolina to reach the playoff stage, the rest of the cast has to rise with him. As PicKell hinted, this might be a blockbuster in the making, or just a summer teaser. However, the analyst didn’t shy away from the big question—can LaNorris Sellers be the guy? The talent is obvious. The flashes are undeniable. But now comes the next test: consistency. And PicKell put it best, saying, “Superstars are consistent. Can LaNorris Sellers be consistent? That’s the next step.”

Well, Sellers lit up Missouri. Then cooled off against Illinois. PicKell gets it—opt-outs were a factor—but elite QBs rise above the noise. That’s what separates the good from the great. Beyond Sellers, PicKell pointed to South Carolina’s unexplainable magic under Shane Beamer, stating, “They shouldn’t beat Tennessee. They shouldn’t beat Clemson. But they do.” It’s grit. Culture. That Beamer soul. And if Sellers can lock in, that same soul could carry them all the way.

Look, South Carolina is hard to explain—but impossible to ignore. J.D. PicKell calls it what it is: the Shane Beamer effect. “I don’t know how it happens, but what I would chalk it up to is soul, is culture, is the Shane Beamer effect—finding a way to get it done, ” said the national reporter.

One year they’re giant-slayers, taking down Clemson and A&M. The next? No bowl game. That’s the puzzle. The big question—can they sustain it? Here, PicKell thinks they can. And it all comes down to one name: LaNorris Sellers. “I think he’s just scratching the surface of what he can be.” This isn’t just about talent. It’s about leadership, tempo and belief. Interestingly, Sellers brings all of that—and more. Right now, with continuity at QB and fire in the locker room, this team may finally have the edge to break through. If the soul stays strong and the QB rises, Sellers might just confirm Shane Beamer’s CFP fate.

While the standout QB rises and brings good news for Beamer, a major injury announcement from Beamer followed.

Shane Beamer shares update on string of injuries at USC

Shane Beamer closed out spring ball with some key injury updates after the 2025 Garnet and Black Spring Game. And one name that stood out? Mazeo Bennett. The sophomore wideout missed the game, but Beamer quickly eased concerns. “Mazeo wanted to [play]; he practiced yesterday. He kind of tweaked his leg a little bit… he was mad that he couldn’t,” said Beamer. So, the good news? It’s minor. And with his explosiveness, Bennett is still expected to be a major weapon in the Gamecocks’ offense this fall.

It wasn’t just Mazeo Bennett sitting out—the Gamecocks had more injury concerns. All-SEC DB Jalon Kilgore missed the spring game with a “little bit of a lower-body injury.” But Beamer isn’t sweating it, and said, “I don’t want to go into summer and [have him] tweak a lower-leg injury anymore.” However, offensive linemen Cason Henry and Nick Sharpe also sat out. Both are dealing with injuries, but Beamer is confident they’ll bounce back. Although Henry’s been nursing a lower-body issue, and Sharpe was seen using a scooter, but both are expected to be fine heading into the fall.

The injury bug also bit Missouri transfer EDGE Jaylen Brown, who’s been dealing with a knee issue this spring. Beamer didn’t offer much on his recovery but did provide some clarity, stating, “We’ll see as we come out of spring into the summer what his status will be. We’ll see how Jaylen progresses going into the summer.” Meanwhile, veteran OL Ryan Brubaker is facing a long-term injury. And be real, Beamer confirmed he’s the only one “doubtful for the entire season,” as Brubaker was competing for a key spot before the setback.

As of now, while Sellers’ presence enhances the possibility of winning, injuries put a big question mark on the roster’s ability to become a playoff-winning team.