South Carolina football just got a major boost heading into 2026 - and it comes in the form of two of its most important players sticking around.
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers and defensive end Dylan Stewart are both returning to Columbia for another season, a huge win for head coach Shane Beamer as he looks to bounce back from a tough 4-8 campaign. These are cornerstone players - one on each side of the ball - and their decision to stay gives the Gamecocks a real shot at turning things around next fall.
Now, in today’s college football landscape, where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and revenue-sharing packages are changing the game, it’s fair to wonder what kind of financial backing might have helped keep two high-value players like Sellers and Stewart in the program. A report earlier this week from a South Carolina-based outlet claimed the duo is pulling in close to $5 million combined through revenue-sharing. That number quickly made its way around social media - and just as quickly drew a strong response from Beamer himself.
“Sounds to me like you need some much better sources,” Beamer posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Christmas Eve. “This isn’t even remotely close to being true. #AnythingForClicks #MerryChristmas”
Beamer’s pushback isn’t surprising. Coaches across the country are walking a fine line when it comes to public NIL figures - especially when it comes to locker room dynamics and outside perception. But whether or not the reported number is accurate down to the dollar, there’s no denying that Sellers and Stewart command serious value in the current NIL market.
According to On3 Sports’ NIL valuations, Sellers was one of the most valuable players in the country last season, coming in at $3.7 million, which ranked eighth nationally. Stewart wasn’t far behind, valued at $1.8 million, good for 27th overall. Even after a recent update, the pair still holds strong - Sellers at $2.6 million, Stewart at $2.2 million - combining for a $4.8 million valuation.
Now, does that mean they’re actually pocketing that full amount? Not necessarily.
NIL valuations are projections based on marketability, performance, and social media influence. It’s possible either player accepted a deal below their estimated value - maybe to stay in a system they believe in, or to chase something bigger in 2026.
But in today’s ultra-competitive NIL era, it would be surprising if they weren’t compensated at a level that reflects their standing in the college football world.
What matters most for South Carolina, though, is this: LaNorris Sellers will be under center, and Dylan Stewart will be anchoring the defense when the Gamecocks open the 2026 season against Kent State on September 5. That’s a strong foundation to build on - and a clear signal that South Carolina isn’t backing down from the challenge of climbing back into SEC contention.