From Gamecock to Gridiron Glory? South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers Boldly Predicted to Lead Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl by 2027 — Could He Be the NFL’s Next Superstar?
The hype around South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers just reached another level — and it’s coming from one of the biggest sports media outlets in the country. ESPN has projected that Sellers, still a rising star in the college ranks, will not only be a first-round NFL Draft pick but could lead the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl by 2027.
Yes, you read that right.
The bold prediction
In ESPN’s Future Power Rankings, analyst Seth Walder made one of the more eye-catching forecasts of the year:
“Led by second-year star quarterback LaNorris Sellers, along with a top-five defense, the Seahawks will reach the Super Bowl … but will lose. The days of Smith and Darnold will be ancient history by 2027.”
It’s a statement that has ignited excitement among Seahawks fans, intrigued NFL scouts, and added even more buzz around Sellers’ final seasons with the Gamecocks.
From Columbia to the pros?
Sellers has been turning heads since he took over as South Carolina’s starting quarterback, combining arm strength, mobility, and football IQ in a way that has scouts already envisioning him as a top-tier NFL signal-caller. Many analysts believe the upcoming season could be his last in a Gamecocks uniform, with projections placing him firmly in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft — and possibly as the first quarterback off the board.
If the Seahawks do select him, it would be their second consecutive high-profile pick from South Carolina after drafting safety Nick Emmanwori in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Why Seattle?
Seattle’s offense is in a transition phase. While veteran quarterbacks Geno Smith and Sam Darnold are currently holding down the position, neither is seen as a long-term answer. The addition of a young, dynamic quarterback like Sellers, paired with a top-five-caliber defense, could put the franchise back in championship contention.
Keeping focus on the present
For now, Sellers is keeping his attention squarely on South Carolina’s upcoming season. The Gamecocks are aiming for their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff, and Sellers knows that success at the college level is the best way to keep his NFL stock rising.
South Carolina will kick off their campaign on August 31, 2025, in a neutral-site matchup against Virginia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The game is set for a 3:00 PM ET kickoff and is expected to be one of the most-watched openers of the college football season.
The big question
While ESPN’s prediction is bold, history has shown that quarterback success in the NFL can be unpredictable. For every top prospect who delivers on their promise, there are others who fall short. Still, Sellers’ physical tools, leadership qualities, and early track record have many believing he has what it takes to make the leap.
Could LaNorris Sellers really go from Gamecock standout to NFL Super Bowl quarterback in just two years? If his college trajectory is any indication, Seahawks fans — and perhaps the rest of the league — may want to start paying close attention.
