LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers entered the season as part of a hyped 2026 NFL Draft class, but neither has lived up to expectations. That could change for one this weekend.
On Saturday, Associated Press No. 11 LSU (4-1, 1-1 in SEC) hosts South Carolina (3-2, 1-2 in SEC), and both Nussmeier and Sellers could use a big game to not only keep each’s playoff hopes alive but also to flip the narrative surrounding their disappointing 2025 seasons.
In his first two conference games, including a 24-19 loss to No. 4 Ole Miss (5-0, 3-0 in SEC) before the Week 6 bye, Nussmeier has completed 59 percent of his pass attempts for 417 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. This season, he ranks 14th out of 16 qualifying SEC quarterbacks in yards per attempt (6.8). (h/t CFB Stats)
Sellers has also put up pedestrian numbers, throwing for 886 yards, four touchdowns and an interception while adding 98 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on 48 attempts. However, he’s coming off arguably his best game of the season in a 35-13 win over Kentucky (2-3, 0-3 in SEC), going 11-of-14 (78.6 percent) for 153 yards (10.9 yards per attempt) while adding 81 rushing yards on 14 carries (5.8 yards per attempt).
Overall, South Carolina ranks last in the SEC in total offense (308.6 yards per game), and it has a daunting task going against a strong LSU defense in Death Valley. Versus FBS power conference competition, LSU has allowed two passing touchdowns with seven interceptions.
As strong as the Tigers secondary has been, Sellers will likely need to use his legs, not just as a runner but also to extend plays, giving his receivers more time to get open. LSU had difficulty containing Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who gained 71 yards on 14 carries (5.1 yards per attempt), and Sellers must similarly use his mobility to his advantage.
Nussmeier likewise has a tough task going against the Gamecocks, who rank fifth in the conference in pass defense (180.2 yards allowed per game) and have more interceptions (six) than pass touchdowns allowed (four).
The two quarterbacks could be in line to be first-round picks in the 2026 draft, but they must put more positives on tape than shown through the first month to be locks as high selections. Week 7 would be a good time to start.
