South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers now sits at a major crossroads: opting to stay put in Columbia, test the Transfer Portal, or skip it altogether and throw his hat in the pro ring. Once a rising star with top-10 draft buzz after a breakout 2024 campaign, he returned for 2025 after reportedly being offered as much as $8 million to transfer elsewhere. But after a frustrating year in which the offense sputtered and public doubts grew about whether the system around him could ever maximize his talent, the question is now: could Sellers emerge as the game-changing quarterback in the 2026 transfer cycle?
Why it Could Happen
Sellers’ second full season under center for the South Carolina Gamecocks didn’t live up to expectations: 2,437 total yards, 13 TDs, eight interceptions. The offensive line was shaky all year; he was sacked 42 times. It’s not just on him, obviously. The offense for South Carolina was among the worst in the SEC nationally, and there were serious questions about playcalling and offensive coherence under OC Mike Shula, who was subsequently fired.
Sellers also reportedly turned down an $8 million NIL/transfer package to remain in Columbia but outside offers and pro ambitions could pull him elsewhere. Draft analysts, including Todd McShay, have floated around the idea that Sellers could be a potential portal entrant in 2026. The fanbase seems to agree as one Reddit user said while discussing Sellers' 2025 season, “I’m tired of people saying we’ve wasted him or ruined him… I think he will transfer, and I believe he should.”
Why He Might Stay
Despite the outside chatter, Sellers has previously emphasized his loyalty to the program and relationships at South Carolina. And another year under center with a new offensive coaching staff could boost his draft stock more than a rushed jump to the NFL. Also, a transfer carries many unknowns: new system, new coaches, new teammates. Sellers appears to value stability.
As of right now, there is no official declaration that he will enter the Transfer Portal or declare for the NFL Draft.
My Take: 50/50 Territory
Sellers' slump in the 2025 season, combined with system doubts and outside interest make a portal exit plausible. At the same time, loyalty, program revitalization, as well as his investment in the team, and the risk of uprooting may keep him in Columbia. If I were advising him: Sellers should view the 2026 portal like a high-stakes play by exploring the options, but don’t commit unless the system and teammates set him up to succeed.