National Analyst Weighs in on Shane Beamer’s CFP Prospects as LaNorris Sellers Struggles to Conceal South Carolina’s Major Flaw

In a live update on South Carolina’s football season, it’s clear the Gamecocks had a somewhat average year in 2024, wrapping up with a 9-4 record. Head Coach Shane Beamer certainly has a reason to be proud as his approach stands out among many of his peers, as he continues the tradition of holding spring games despite a trend of cancellations around the league. And while fans are already optimistic about the upcoming season, the question remains—will the Gamecocks get an easy path to the College Football Playoff (CFP), or will obstacles block their way? Much will depend on the leadership in place, particularly Beamer‘s star quarterback, LaNorris Sellers.

A major disappointment for South Carolina came in the 2024 season when they were left out of the playoffs, despite a six-game winning streak and a thrilling 17-14 victory over Clemson. Their last CFP ranking as a Top 25 team came in 2022 when they were ranked No. 19 by the selection committee, per ESPN. Fast forward to 2024, and the Gamecocks have made an impressive jump to No. 15. With key returners like Sellers, EDGE Dylan Stewart, and defensive back Jalon Kilgore, their chances for a CFP berth this season look promising, bolstered by those rankings and the returning talent.

On March 14, Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman of PFF College Football Show dove deep into the Gamecocks’ prospects. Chadwick noted, “South Carolina finished number 19 in the final AP ranking. The last time they were that high was in 2013 when they finished number four in the AP ranking. So, it’s been a very, very long time since South Carolina was that good, really big breakout year.” One of the standout players for Beamer‘s squad is Dylan Stewart, a young star who graces the cover of EA Sports’ CFB 26. Chadwick highlighted Stewart’s electric performance, saying, “He’s probably a guy we can hear a lot about top five pick or maybe even number one overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.” In 2024, Stewart made 23 total tackles, further solidifying his importance to the Gamecocks.

Of course, all eyes are on LaNorris Sellers as well. Though Chadwick acknowledged that Sellers still has some work to do as a passer, he sees 2025 as a potential breakout year for the QB. Sellers put up solid numbers in 2024, with 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, and a 65.6% completion rate. On top of that, Jalon Kilgore, a Georgia Region 4-AA Athlete of the Year, had a stellar sophomore season with 48 total tackles and five interceptions. But the real key to a CFP run for Beamer‘s squad? Developing Sellers as a more polished passer. His 70.6 passing grade in 2024 leaves room for improvement, and the ceiling for him is high.

But there’s a major issue Beamer has to address: the protection of his quarterback. The Gamecocks struggled last season, allowing 41 sacks and finishing No. 123 in the nation for pass protection. The lack of a stable offensive line put immense pressure on Sellers, but to his credit, his ability to escape pressure and make something out of broken plays kept the offense alive. On That SEC Podcast, the hosts acknowledged Sellers’ unique ability, noting, “I think we can all admit it’d be a lot higher number if not for LaNorris Sellers being such a dynamic athlete. Nine out of ten quarterbacks are probably not the athlete he is.”

While this is certainly a positive, it’s also a double-edged sword. If Sellers has to play hero every week, the strain will be too much. He can extend plays, but he can’t block for himself. To compete against SEC defenses and make a true CFP run, Beamer must solve the offensive line problem and relieve Sellers of carrying the entire burden.

As the 2025 season looms, it’s clear that Beamer and his squad are on the brink of something special—but only if they can address these pressing challenges. The potential is there, but so are the hurdles.