South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers turned down an $8 million NIL offer from another school, according to his father Norris Sellers.
The two-year deal came after Sellers’ breakthrough freshman season. But his family wasn’t interested in making a move.
“You don’t need ($8 million). You’re in a great spot,” his dad told Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. “There were several talks, but it never really crossed his mind (to leave). It’s a challenge with colleges offering younger guys that kind of money. Who’s gonna say no to $8 million for two years? They’re gonna be swayed if you don’t have the right people in your corner.”
Sellers became just the third freshman in FBS history to throw for 2,500 yards and rush for 500 yards in the same season.
He joined Johnny Manziel and Jalen Hurts in that category. Sellers threw for 2,534 yards with 18 touchdown passes. He also ran for seven touchdowns while leading South Carolina to a 9-4 record.
Family priorities remained clear
The Sellers family viewed college as preparation for the NFL rather than a money-making opportunity.
Norris Sellers said the original plan hasn’t changed since his son arrived in Columbia.
“He was offered all kinds of crazy numbers,” Norris said. “I told him he could say, I’m gonna stay or I’m gonna go. By 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. We came here to get our education, play ball, and with schools calling, we’re not gonna jump ship because they’re offering more than what we’re getting. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The decision could pay off financially in the long run.
Sellers will likely enter the NFL Draft after next season, where rookie contracts for early-round quarterbacks typically exceed the NIL offer he rejected.
