News Summary
LaNorris Sellers, the quarterback for the University of South Carolina, has been honored as one of 80 players on the preseason watch list for the 89th Maxwell Award, recognizing top collegiate football talent. Sellers, a standout redshirt sophomore, has received accolades for his impressive freshman season performance, including over 2,500 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. His recognition reflects his rising status in college football, marked by notable achievements like being named 2024 National Freshman Offensive Player of the Year.
Columbia, South Carolina – LaNorris Sellers, quarterback for the University of South Carolina, has been named as one of 80 players on the 89th Maxwell Award preseason watch list, which honors the top college football player in the nation. The announcement highlights Sellers’ exceptional performance and growing reputation in college football, including accolades such as the 2024 National Freshman Offensive Player of the Year awarded by the Football Writers of America.
The Maxwell Award has a storied history, having been established in 1937 to recognize exceptional collegiate talent. Named after Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a standout at Swarthmore College and revered sportswriter, the award is presented annually to the most outstanding player across all levels of college football.
Sellers, a 6-3, 240-pound redshirt sophomore from Florence, South Carolina, has made a significant impact since joining the Gamecocks. In his freshman season, he recorded impressive statistics, throwing for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 65.6% of his passes. Additionally, he rushed for 674 yards and added seven touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capability as a quarterback.
This recognition continues a trend of accolades for Sellers, who was named a 2024 Freshman All-American and also selected as an SEC All-Freshman player. He earned a third-team All-SEC designation from the league’s coaches, further establishing his status as a rising star within the Southeastern Conference.
Players on the Maxwell Award watch list are chosen through a selection process that incorporates data from various sources, including Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications. The Maxwell Football Club, responsible for the award, will announce semifinalists on November 11, 2025, followed by finalists on November 25, 2025. The winner will be revealed during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 11, 2025, with a formal presentation scheduled for March 13, 2026 in Atlanta.
Sellers’ journey to the University of South Carolina involved significant decisions, including decommitting from Syracuse after their offensive coordinator, Robert Anae, departed. Sellers made his commitment to USC shortly before the early signing period, influenced by positive discussions with the Gamecocks’ new offensive coordinator, Dowell Loggains. Knowing the importance of education, he plans to enroll in January to participate in spring practice.
Prior to his college career, Sellers excelled at South Florence High School, leading his team to its first state football championship and accounting for nearly 70 touchdowns in his senior year. He was recognized as the No. 5 recruit in South Carolina according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Beyond football, Sellers has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community. He recently donated $16,000 to his high school’s football program as a gesture of thanks. Additionally, he has enhanced his public profile by obtaining multiple brand endorsements and signing with the South Carolina NIL collective, reflecting the growing trend of college athletes monetizing their fame.
With a robust support system from his family, Sellers aims to manage his earnings responsibly. He also shares a personal connection to football through his younger brother, Jayden, who is expected to follow in his footsteps as part of the Gamecocks’ program. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Sellers is poised to cement his status as one of college football’s premier players.
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Additional Resources
- AOL News
- Wikipedia: LaNorris Sellers
- WBTW News
- Google Search: LaNorris Sellers
- The State
- Google Scholar: LaNorris Sellers
- SC Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LaNorris Sellers
- Greenville Online
- Google News: LaNorris Sellers

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