LaNorris Sellers tops survey of execs, scouts as NFL Draft’s QB1, per ESPN
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Despite a slow start to the season, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is still garnering plenty of hype from NFL executives and scouts ahead of next year’s draft. According to an ESPN poll of 25 NFL scouts this week, Sellers is regarded as the top quarterback for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Sellers (8 votes) edged out LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (7), with the other votes going to Miami’s Carson Beck (3), Oklahoma‘s John Mateer (3), Penn State’s Drew Allar (2), Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt (1), and Texas‘s Arch Manning (1).
“He’s got most physical talent,” a scout said to ESPN. “His ability to scramble and make plays with his feet as a runner. He’s instinctive and the ball comes out quick. He’s got a unique talent level. The kid, his story and how he got there. He’s got a toughness to him. It intrigues people. He’s got the makeup, intangibles and ability to run. He’s got the most potential to be an impact player.”
The 6-foot-3 sophomore suffered a concussion in South Carolina’s 31-7 loss to visiting Vanderbilt last weekend. However, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported during College GameDay that Sellers will take the field for South Carolina’s matchup at Mizzou in Week 4.
“He’s ready to go today for South Carolina,” Thamel said. “He got knocked out of the Vanderbilt game with a head injury. Shane Beamer told me yesterday that Sellers missed practice Sunday, ramped up throughout the week, and was a full go on Thursday. They are expecting the full repertoire of Sellers today.”
Sellers has passed for 431 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception this season. In his college career, Sellers has amassed 3,051 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air while also scoring 9 times on the ground.
South Carolina at Mizzou is set for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN. The Gamecocks are a 10-point underdog, per the latest odds from BetMGM.
