South Carolina QB Turned Down $8 Million to Stay With Gamecocks

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers turned down multiple lucrative NIL offers, including one reportedly worth $8 million over the past two years, according to his father.

“He was offered all kinds of crazy numbers,” Norris Sellers told The Athletic. “You're 19. You don't need $8 million. You're in a great spot. There were several talks, but it never crossed his mind (to leave).

Despite interest from schools following the 2024 season and again after spring practice, Sellers stayed loyal to South Carolina. His father said the family’s focus has always been on education, along with his football future.

“I told him he could say, ‘I’m gonna stay or I’m gonna go,’” Norris Sellers said. “But my two cents: It was to get into college on a scholarship, play ball, get our degree and go on about our business. This NIL deal came later. We didn’t come here to make money.”

The quarterback’s loyalty comes at a time when the college football landscape continues to shift. A federal judge recently approved a $2.8 billion settlement in House v. NCAA, paving the way for athletic departments to begin directly compensating players starting July 1.

While NIL collectives have offered millions to lure top talent, Sellers’ decision spotlights the exceptions. Like his father added, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

With eyes across the SEC on him, Sellers leads the Gamecocks into a pivotal 2025 season. He's set to begin sophomore season in Columbia this fall. He threw for over 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024 and will be eligible for the NFL Draft following the 2025 season.

South Carolina opens its 2025 season on Sunday, Aug. 31 against Virginia Tech in Atlanta.