QB LaNorris Sellers rejected $8M transfer offer to stay loyal to Gamecocks
FILE – South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, FIle)
(WCIV) — South Carolina’s breakout star quarterback, LaNorris Sellers, couldn’t think of anywhere else to play.
After leading the Gamecocks to a 9-4 (5-3) record in the 2024 season, Sellers, a redshirt sophomore, proved that some things are worth more than money. Sellers’ father, Norris, told The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman that his son was offered a two-year, $8 million NIL offer from another school, which he declined.
“He was offered all kinds of crazy numbers,” Norris said. “I told him he could say, I’m gonna stay or I’m gonna go. By my two cents: It was to get into college on a scholarship, play ball, get our degree and go on about our business. This NIL deal came later. We didn’t come here to make money. We came here to get our education, play ball, and with schools calling, we’re not gonna jump ship because they’re offering more than what we’re getting. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
LaNorris echoed the sentiment, claiming that he wants to build something special in his home state.
“I’ve been playing football all of my life for free,” LaNorris said. “I’ve built relationships here, my family’s here, my brother’s here. There’s no reason for me to go someplace else and start over.”
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers looks to throw a pass during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Sellers is just the latest quarterback in the college football ranks to command eye-opening amounts of money.
According to On3’s NIL valuation tracker, Arch Manning commands $6.8 million at the University of Texas. Carson Beck, who earned $4.3 million from the University of Miami, was not far behind.
Sellers has built a cult-like following after his slow start in Columbia.
He threw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns. Sellers also pitched in on the ground, rushing for 674 yards and seven touchdowns.
The defining performance of Sellers’ first year as a starter came in a rivalry game against Clemson, where he ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns in a come-from-behind 17-24 win. He capped off that performance with an impressive 20-yard touchdown run on a third-and-16 play with one minute remaining.
With just one year as a full-time starter under his belt, Sellers is already ranked as a top-five draft pick in 2026, according to ESPN.
But until then, he is comfortable saying that no amount of money can buy him the happiness he felt playing for the Gamecocks.
“He’s made of the right stuff,” Gamecocks Head Coach Shane Beamer said. “He’s got a great family around him. He knows what he means to this state. LaNorris has a chance to leave a legacy here.”
