Sep 27, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) scrambles against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium.

South Carolina football is nearing a deal for star quarterback LaNorris Sellers to return in 2026, according to an ESPN report.

Sellers, a redshirt sophomore this season, passed for 2,437 yards with 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions, also rushing for 270 yards with five touchdowns. It was a down season from his production as a first-year starter in 2024, with the Gamecocks fielding a struggling offensive line that ranked among the worst among Power Four teams. South Carolina also averaged just 3.2 yards per carry as a team.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound quarterback entered the season as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, but is opting for another year of college before making the jump. His little brother, Jayden Sellers, is a receiver at South Carolina.

The All-SEC third-team selection in 2024 would have been one of the top quarterbacks available in the transfer portal if he entered. The transfer portal opens Jan. 2.

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer has overhauled his offensive coaching staff already this offseason, bringing in new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and offensive line coach Randy Clements from TCU, along with running backs coach Stan Drayton from Penn State.

LaNorris Sellers stats

  • 2023 (freshman): 3 of 3 passing for 86 yards with two touchdowns; five carries for 51 yards with three touchdowns
  • 2024 (redshirt freshman): 196 of 299 passing (65.6%) for 2,534 yards with 18 touchdowns to seven interceptions; 166 carries for 674 yards with seven touchdowns
  • 2025 (redshirt sophomore): 178 of 293 passing (60.8%) for 2,437 yards with 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions; 149 carries for 270 yards with five touchdowns

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LaNorris Sellers finalizing return to South Carolina football in 2026, per ESPN

Reporting by Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect