In a bold decision that underscores his confidence and readiness, LaNorris Sellers has officially declared for the NFL Draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility at South Carolina. The redshirt sophomore—widely regarded as one of the most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation—leaves on the strength of a season that showcased both his arm talent and runaway ability.
Sellers put up jaw-dropping numbers: he passed for 3,837 yards and 25 touchdowns, while adding 1,097 rushing yardsto his résumé, proving that his ability as a runner is just as lethal as his passing arsenal. Such production, combined with his elite athleticism, has many analysts slotting him among the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft class—and a lock for top-5 pick territory.
Why the Declaration Makes Sense
Sellers’ tape has increasingly matched the hype around his recruitment, and this season provided plenty of green lights for NFL decision-makers. His plus-plus speed, torque in his arm, size, and physicality all make him a tantalizing high-upside prospect. Declaring now is a signal that he believes he’s ready to translate his dual-threat game to the next level—and that his draft stock is at a point where waiting might bring more risks than reward.
By entering the draft, Sellers is choosing to let NFL teams bet on his ceiling rather than risk injury or regression in another college season. If the evaluation holds, he’ll join the incoming class alongside other signal-callers looking to make an instant impact.
Pros & Strengths
Here’s what NFL scouts and draft experts are raving about when it comes to LaNorris Sellers:
- Physical profile: At around 6′3″ and 240 lbs, Sellers carries rare size for a dual-threat QB—he combines mass with explosiveness.
- Arm strength & throw power: He can drive the ball downfield with velocity, making tight-window throws look easy.
- Athleticism / run game: His ability to break tackles, spin out of pressure, and create with his legs adds a dangerous layer to his game.
- Competitive toughness / upside: Observers frequently cite his football IQ, poise in pressure, and growth curve as reasons to bet on him.
Many of his scouts draw comparisons to Jalen Hurts at a similar stage, with some noting he does possess a stronger arm and more frame to work with.
Challenges & Red Flags
Despite the glowing strengths, Sellers also comes with a few areas of legitimate concern—some expected for a young dual-threat prospect:
- Experience / consistency: Though productive, he has limited time as a full-time starter.
- Accuracy & ball placement—especially on deep ball and anticipation throws: Some scouts note that his deep-ball accuracy can be erratic, and he occasionally forces throws under duress.
- Offensive line / pressure issues: At South Carolina, he’s often been under heavy pressure, which has led to sacks and forced plays that mask underlying issues.
- Injury risk / durability: As with many QBs who use their legs often, there’s concern over wear and tear over time. Also, he sustained a concussion in 2025 vs Vanderbilt.
All told, his strengths seem to outweigh his weaknesses—especially to NFL teams willing to build around a dynamic, high-ceiling quarterback.
Draft Outlook & Projection
Given his profile and college output, many analysts already view Sellers as a top-tier pick. ESPN lists him as a first-round / late-1st QB. In mocks, projections have him going as high as No. 1 overall in some scenarios when teams prioritize upside and dual-threat potential.
If he lands in a QB-friendly system with time to develop, he could very well meet that elite upside. But there is risk: the jump from college to pro is steep, particularly for running quarterbacks, and the consistency and processing demands will be magnified.
Narrative Angle: A Bold Leap Toward Greatness
LaNorris Sellers’ declaration is about more than just betting on himself—it’s a statement. It says he believes in his physical gifts, his mental edge, and his ability to translate what he’s done at South Carolina into a professional career. Moreover, it tells contenders around the league that the dual-threat QB design isn’t going away.
In the modern NFL, quarterbacks who can escape pressure, extend plays, and punish defenses with their legs are dangerous commodities. Sellers offers that—but he’ll need to refine his game, tighten his reads, and improve consistency under fire.
That journey begins now.
Final Take:
LaNorris Sellers is taking a high-risk, high-reward leap. With 3,837 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 1,097 rushing yards in his redshirt sophomore season, he’s already delivered elite production. His decision to enter the draft underscores his confidence and ambition. If the projections hold, he has a legitimate shot at being a top-five pick—and maybe even the face of the next generation of dual-threat quarterbacks.
