National analyst: "South Carolina can play with and beat anyone on their schedule" thanks to LaNorris Sellers
South Carolina star quarterback LaNorris Sellers is a special talent. The preseason Heisman Trophy candidate is also a big reason why the 2025 version of the Gamecocks has some around the college football world believing a special season could be in the cards.
On3 national analyst JD PicKell, by his own admission, is one of Sellers’ biggest believers. In a recent episode of his podcast “The Hard Count,” PicKell spoke glowingly of the Carolina starter and his potential to lead the Gamecocks to a special season.
Be in the know about all things Gamecocks for just $1 for 7 days—lock in this special offer!
“We’ve bought all the LaNorris Sellers stock there is to buy,” said PicKell. “The big reason we have (South Carolina) in the College Football Playoff is it’s all about LaNorris Sellers.”
The former Cornell and Baylor running back and slot receiver’s praise mirrored a common comparison from last season. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer revealed that an opposing coach called Sellers “Superman” in 2024. PicKell argued a similar point by stating the rising redshirt sophomore wears “a cape” as if he, too, has superpowers.
“Does he have the cape on that he had on last season?” asked PicKell. “Because there were games you turned on, and it’s like ‘He shouldn’t be able to do what he’s doing. He shouldn’t break 18 tackles against Clemson or against A&M…’ When he is on–he being LaNorris Sellers–South Carolina can play with and beat anyone on their schedule.”
Top 10
- 1New
2025-26 CFP, Bowls
Full schedule, times, TV released
- 2Trending
Super Regionals Odds
Betting lines for each Super
- 3
CFP Title Favorites
Ranking Top 20 to win it all
- 4Hot
Chipper Jones
Calls out Kevin O'Sullivan, Georgia baseball
- 5
Ryan Day
Calls for 4 Big Ten CFP bids
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
While not necessarily comparing the bespectacled gunslinger stylistically, PicKell brought up former Heisman Trophy winners Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel when discussing Sellers’ impact on the field. “I think he’s that good…We’ve seen him take over games where South Carolina isn’t at this talent advantage against different rosters. Doesn’t matter because 16 is on the field, and 16 is going to make sure he takes over.” PicKell went on, “I’m not saying he’s Cam Newton, and I’m not saying he’s Johnny Maziel. But watching those dudes when they played and watching LaNorris Sellers this past year, I get the same feeling.”
Get USC Gamecocks app notifications
PicKell also compared South Carolina and Sellers to a southern barbecue restaurant. He said that if the Gamecocks have enough “sides” to go along with the main course that is Sellers, things will go well in Columbia this fall. Specifically, he brought up EDGE Dylan Stewart and receiver Nyck Harbor as potential impact players alongside the star quarterback. “Do you have enough sides to maximize what you have at quarterback throughout the course of the season? That’s my big question,” PicKell explained.
The first opportunity for Sellers and company to test PicKell’s theory will come on August 31st when South Carolina and Virginia Tech meet in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a neutral-site contest. The Gamecocks and Hokies will battle at 3:00 p.m. ESPN will broadcast the contest, while the ESPN app makes it available via streaming.
