The buzz around quarterbacks has defined the start of the 2025 season, and South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers has become the name that everyone is talking about.
As the Gamecocks head into Week 4, ESPN surveyed 25 NFL scouts and executives on who they think is the top quarteback for the 2026 NFL Draft. Sellers came out on top with eight votes, edging out LSU's Garrett Nussmeier with seven votes. Miami's Carson Beck and Oklahoma's John Mateer each earned three votes, while Penn State's Drew Allar, Arizona State's Sam Leavitt, and Texas' Arch Manning split the remaining votes.
What is it about South Carolina's QB1 that makes him stand out? Scouts rave about his rare physical tools and toughness. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, the redshirt sophomore fits the modern mold of a quarterback who can plow through defenses both throw the air and on the ground. His quick release, scrambling ability, and instictive playmaking ability have turned heads early.
“He’s got the most physical talent,” one veteran scout told ESPN. “The ball comes out quick, he can create with his legs, and he’s got a toughness to him that intrigues people. He’s got the makeup, intangibles, and ability to run. He’s got the most potential to be an impact player.”
Comparing Sellers to Nussmeier, who has NFL pedigree and five years of development at LSU, highlights the upside that the Gamecock QB brings in just his second full season as starter. While other big names like Manning and Beck are still trying to find their consistency, Sellers has vaulted himself into the early conversations for QB1.
Of course, it's still early in the season. Scouts caution that evaluations for the Draft evolve over the course of the season. But for now, LaNorris Sellers isn't just the face of South Carolina football, he is the frontrunner in the NFL's next great quarterback debate.