LaNorris Sellers tells what South Carolina needs to do to beat Alabama in 2026

Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) before the play call against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the fourth quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

At SEC Media Days in Tampa, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers talked about facing Alabama this season and the challenges the Crimson Tide present.

“Just super physical,” Sellers said when responding to a question about what makes playing Alabama challenging. “They’re usually never wrong, if that makes sense. They have a lot of good guys, a lot of good players on the back end, and they don’t make a lot of mistakes, so we got to take advantage when they do.”

The Gamecocks have failed to defeat the Crimson Tide in the Kalen DeBoer era, but Shane Beamer’s crew came close last year and the year before. 

In 2025, Alabama trailed 22-14 with a little more than two minutes remaining in the game, and the Crimson Tide had to score a touchdown and get a two-point conversion. Alabama successfully tied the game, and the Crimson Tide defense forced a turnover on the very next drive to set up the Germie Bernard touchdown run. The Crimson Tide won 29-22.

The year before, South Carolina lost to Alabama by two points in Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the moment that made fans hold their breath came late in the fourth quarter when the Gamecocks recovered an onside kick to set up for another quick drive to try to put the ball in the end zone. Alabama held on to win that game 27-25.  

Sellers was also asked at SEC Media Days about what the Gamecocks need to do to defeat Alabama this season. 

“Just staying true to our game plan, not letting our foot off the gas or getting too comfortable,” Sellers said. “Just finding those ways to finish. It’s one or two plays that can cost you a game, and we got to make those one or two plays.”

Sellers is a talented quarterback that has given Alabama problems over the last two seasons. He threw for a combined 460 passing yards and three touchdowns and rushed for a combined 86 yards and a score. He’ll get another crack at the Crimson Tide in 2026.

South Carolina will play Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 26.