LaNorris Sellers drawing first round hype and NFL comparisons that turn heads

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is turning heads ahead of the 2025 season. PFF compares him to Cam Newton and Anthony Richardson and explains what he still needs to improve to be a Day 1 draft pick.
South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs past Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Trace Ford (30) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs past Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Trace Ford (30) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

South Carolina's QB1 LaNorris Sellers hasn't even taken a snap yet this season, but he has become one of the biggest names in the 2025 college football offseason, with NFL scouts already talking about his first-round potential for the 2026 NFL Draft. And it's not just Gamecock Nation that is creating the buzz; Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema broke down exactly why Sellers is being compared to physical freaks like Cam Newton and Josh Allen, and yes, even Anthony Richardson. But his upside? Through the roof. His tools? All there. Sikkema broke down Sellers' game play in detail, praising his physical abilities while pointing out a few key areas that need some refinement before he can solidify his spot as a Day 1 Draft pick.

Sikkema described how Sellers is the type of quarterback that NFL teams love to bet on. he has big arm, big body, big play potential. Sikkema's breakdown also mentioned a few red flags: inconsistent situational passing and a tendency to produce turnover-worthy plays.

"Right now, Sellers is an 'all the tools in the world' type of quarterback, so it's easy to see why people are ready to bet on him," wrote Sikkema. "The worry is that he’s another Anthony Richardson, who, even when healthy, has not proven himself to be a consistent enough passer in the NFL to this point."

Richardson went top-five in the 2023 NFL Draft but also struggled with injuries and accuracy on the pro level. However, Sikkema also emphasized that Sellers has shown a higher baseline as a passer than Richardson ever did, something that does bode well for his long-term trajectory. But Sikkema was clear that Sellers was not the "the next Josh Allen" quite yet.

Sellers and the Gamecocks kick of their 2025 campaign on Sunday, August 31, in Atlanta against Virginia Tech. And while there may be work to be done, the ceiling is undeniable for the sophomore quarterback.