South Carolina’s Quarterback Future: Analyzing the 2025 Depth Chart and Long-Term Outlook Under Shane Beamer
The quarterback position is the most scrutinized and pivotal spot on any college football roster, and South Carolina is no exception. As the Gamecocks look toward the 2025 season and beyond, the composition of their QB room will play a defining role in the program’s trajectory under head coach Shane Beamer. With a mix of experienced returners, high-upside newcomers, and potential future recruits, South Carolina’s quarterback situation is both intriguing and fluid. Here’s a deep dive into how the position could unfold in 2025 and the subsequent years.
Heading into the 2025 season, South Carolina’s quarterback room is expected to feature a combination of seasoned players and fresh faces competing for the starting job. The most immediate factor will be whether LaNorris Sellers, the highly touted dual-threat QB who showed flashes in 2024, secures the full-time role or if a veteran transfer enters the mix. Sellers possesses the athleticism and arm talent to thrive in offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains’ system, but consistency will be key.
If Sellers takes the expected next step, he could solidify himself as the Gamecocks’ QB1 for the next two to three seasons. However, if he struggles or the staff seeks competition, South Carolina could dip into the transfer portal for an experienced signal-caller—a trend that has become commonplace in modern college football. Names like former four-star prospects or Power Five backups looking for a starting opportunity could emerge as options.
Behind Sellers, redshirt freshman Dante Reno and true freshman Landon Duckworth will be pushing for reps. Reno, a pro-style passer with a high football IQ, could develop into a reliable backup, while Duckworth, a dynamic 2025 commit, brings exciting dual-threat capabilities. If the Gamecocks avoid major injuries and development stays on track, this trio could form a strong foundation for the next few years.
The transfer portal has reshaped quarterback competitions across the country, and South Carolina must be prepared to adapt. If Sellers struggles early in 2025, the coaching staff may look to add a proven veteran to stabilize the position. Conversely, if he excels, the Gamecocks could still add depth via the portal to ensure they have a reliable backup.
Recent history suggests that elite programs often cycle through QBs every two to three years due to transfers and early NFL departures. South Carolina must balance developing high school recruits with the reality that portal additions may be necessary to remain competitive in the SEC. A potential scenario could see the Gamecocks targeting a grad transfer in 2026 if Sellers departs early or if Reno/Duckworth need more seasoning.
Beyond 2025, South Carolina’s QB future hinges on recruiting. The Gamecocks have made it a priority to land at least one blue-chip quarterback per cycle, ensuring a pipeline of talent. Duckworth, a top-15 QB in the 2025 class, is a major piece of that puzzle, but the staff must continue to aggressively pursue elite prospects.
Looking ahead to the 2026 and 2027 classes, names like four-star Julian Lewis (if he reclassifies) or in-state standouts could become targets. The key will be maintaining a balance between high-ceiling recruits and developmental projects who can grow within the system. If Beamer and Loggains can consistently land top-15 QB recruits, the program will be well-positioned to compete in the SEC long-term.
South Carolina’s offensive identity under Loggains will heavily influence the QB room’s composition. If the Gamecocks continue to emphasize a balanced attack with QB mobility, dual-threat prospects like Sellers and Duckworth will be prioritized. However, if the system evolves into more of a pro-style approach, pocket passers like Reno could see increased opportunities.
Player development will be just as crucial as recruiting. The staff’s ability to refine mechanics, decision-making, and leadership will determine whether these quarterbacks reach their potential. If Sellers becomes a star, he could set a template for future recruits. If the position struggles, it may prompt a reevaluation of scheme or personnel strategy.
In a best-case scenario, Sellers emerges as a top-tier SEC quarterback in 2025, leading the Gamecocks to a nine-win season and attracting even higher-caliber recruits. Duckworth develops into the QB of the future, and the program avoids major portal attrition.
The worst-case scenario involves Sellers failing to take the next step, leading to a mid-season QB controversy and forcing South Carolina to rely on an unproven backup. Poor performance could also hurt recruiting, making it harder to land elite prospects in future cycles.
South Carolina’s quarterback room in 2025 will set the tone for the program’s direction under Shane Beamer. With a mix of promising young talent and potential portal additions, the Gamecocks have the pieces to build a strong foundation—but development and decision-making will be key. If the staff can cultivate Sellers into a star and continue recruiting at a high level, the position could become a strength rather than a question mark. However, if instability arises, the program may find itself scrambling to keep pace in the ever-competitive SEC.
The next two years will be pivotal in determining whether South Carolina’s QB room becomes a source of championship contention or remains a work in progress. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on the signal-callers in Columbia as they shape the future of Gamecock football.
