South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers approaching top spot in Heisman Trophy odds

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers entered the season as one of the most hyped players in college football. It took just one week for that hype to go to another level.

No. 16 is now No. 2 in Heisman Trophy odds, according to a poll of On3’s national analysts and according to the official betting odds at BetMGM.

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The On3 team of JD PicKell, Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman, Brett McMurphy, Chris Low, Charles Power, and Pete Nakos nearly put Sellers in the top spot. Following the On3 voting, Sellers earned 55 points, while LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier earned 56. No other player has more than 49.

Point values were assessed in reverse order: 10 points for a first-place vote, nine points for a second-place vote, etc. With seven voters, the math would suggest that Sellers and Nussmeier occupied top-three spots on most ballots.

BetMGM’s odds favor Nussmeier, as well, giving the Bayou Bengals’ QB +700 odds. Sellers sits at +900. The South Carolina starter was one of the biggest movers from week one, improving his chances from +1800.

Since the preseason, Sellers jumped stars like Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, and Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.

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Amazingly, Sellers didn’t even play his best game against Virginia Tech. Even so, he repeatedly showed off his ability to do things that no other player can do, as he shook off sacks and open-field tackles to earn big first-down conversions. Still, he passed for over 200 yards (including a 64-yard bomb to Nyck Harbor) and had two total touchdowns. Had it not been for a questionable bit of officiating taking another Sellers-to-Harbor connection off the board, those numbers would have been even better.

Sellers will play against multiple other Heisman hopefuls this season, including Nussmeier and Klubnik.

But first, the Gamecock signal-caller will lead his team against South Carolina State this weekend. The in-state matchup will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. ESPN+ will make the contest available via streaming.

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