ESPN analysts say LaNorris Sellers is more talented than Cade Klubnik, could have highest ceiling of all draft prospects

This week, a crew of ESPN analysts on the show Get Up spent some time breaking down the top draft-eligible quarterbacks ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. As expected, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was a major part of the conversation.

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Draft expert Field Yates argued that the Gamecock signal-caller has the highest ceiling of every quarterback in the country. He also agreed with host Mike Greenberg’s assertion that Sellers is more talented than Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.

Yates said, “LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina…He’s gigantic. He looks almost like an NFL tight end.” He continued, “Some of the things he’s able to do, both with his mobility outside the pocket and his movement inside the pocket, are hard to coach — maybe even impossible to coach.”

Delighting any Gamecock fans watching, Yates reflected on Carolina’s win last year over Clemson. “They won that game 17–14, and LaNorris Sellers had 16 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns,” Yates recalled. “There was some real Houdini magic within the pocket. He’s got unbelievable size, great speed to match it, and he makes ‘wow’ plays all over his tape.”

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His colleague, Louis Riddick, also gave his take on LaNorris Sellers, and he praised the quarterback’s arm, too.

Referencing a highlight on the screen, Riddick said, “Just look at this throw. I know people will point out the level of competition–I believe this was against Furman–but watch how the ball travels. It’s 55–60 yards on a rope. There are only a handful of people on the planet who can make that throw.” The throw in question was Sellers’ second career pass attempt overall, and it went for a 50-yard touchdown.

Riddick, who will be part of Sunday’s ESPN broadcast of South Carolina’s season opener against Virginia Tech, is a huge believer in Sellers. He also predicted a big showing from the sophomore gunslinger this weekend.

“He’s only gotten better since [the throw against Furman], and he’s going to light it up this Sunday on national TV against Virginia Tech,” Riddick projected.

“[Sellers] has it all,” Riddick said.

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Sellers is a redshirt sophomore and has two years of additional eligibility following the 2025 season. However, if he has the type of year that would make him a first-round pick, the call to the professional game would be hard to ignore.

He and his South Carolina teammates will take the field at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday against Virginia Tech. The Gamecocks and Hokies will play on ESPN, while the ESPN app will stream the affair.

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