Dabo Swinney declares LaNorris Sellers one of the top players in America: 'That guy is special'

Although Clemson hasn’t had the 2025 campaign it imagined, the Tigers finished the regular season strong Saturday with a 28-14 win over South Carolina. After the game, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney raved about his team’s defensive performance while giving props to South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers.

“Listen, man, that’s that is unbelievable effort by our defense because, let me tell you, Sellers, that’s one of the best players in the country. That guy is special,” Swinney said. “He is a great football player. He’s a great kid, he’s a great player. And to hold that guy to two yards rushing, unbelievable. I mean, unbelievable.

“I just can’t say enough about Coach Allen and our defensive staff and the plan that they put together. We did everything that we needed to do. We needed to not let them get a run game going. … Just really proud of the guys. It’s awesome, and again, happy for our fans.”

Sellers completed 23-of-his-42 pass attempts for 381 yards and two touchdowns in the loss, but Clemson also picked him off twice. More impressive, the Tigers held Sellers to just 12 total rushing yards.

Sellers wasn’t the only Gamecock who had trouble against Clemson’s defense. South Carolina was successful on just 1-of-its-11 third-down conversion attempts. The Gamecocks also committed two fumble turnovers.

With the win, Clemson improved to 7-5 on the season and 4-4 in conference play. The Tigers won their final four outings of the regular season, including a victory over Louisville, which was ranked 20th in the country at the time.

The victory Saturday was a taste of revenge for the Tigers, who fell 17-14 to South Carolina last season. Now, Clemson will compete in a bowl game for its 21st consecutive season. Dabo Swinney is proud of the way his team has finished the year.

“We’re not getting to the playoff, but, man, that doesn’t that doesn’t diminish my love for the guys in that locker room,” Swinney said. “I’m really proud of them, and I’m thankful that, again, the good Lord gave them a moment like this today to just celebrate and enjoy and get a seventh win, and we’ll be going somewhere.”

LaNorris Sellers and South Carolina can’t say the same. After beginning the season ranked No. 13 in the country, South Carolina finished the year with a 4-8 record. Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer will have no choice but to regroup this offseason, while other teams prepare for their bowl games.