Report: Sellers tells South Carolina he's returning for 2026 season

Quarterback LaNorris Sellers is nearing a deal to return to South Carolina for the 2026 season, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Sellers has indicated to the staff that he'll be back next year, Thamel adds.

His expected return provides the Gamecocks with an experienced passer who will be a redshirt junior in 2026.

The 20-year-old entered the 2025 season with big expectations after glimpses of brilliance in his first full year as a starter.

Considered one of the most gifted quarterbacks eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, Sellers' production dropped after his 2024 breakout campaign. He passed for 2,437 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while completing 60.8% of his passes.

He also rushed for 270 yards and five scores.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound quarterback will play under his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons next year after the arrival of Kendal Briles. The veteran play-caller is eager for the opportunity to work with Sellers.

"I'm not going to go out there and ask him to do something he's not great at, so we're going to build the offense around him, and the rest of the personnel, and do the things that he's really good at," Briles said Friday, according to The State's Michael Sauls.

Sellers has thrown for 5,057 yards and 33 touchdowns while rushing for 995 yards and 13 scores in his career at South Carolina.