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From Unknown to Star, Who Can Be the Next LaNorris Sellers?

LaNorris Sellers went from an unknown to a Heisman candidate. Here are three young quarterbacks who can make the same leap in 2025.

June 16, 2025
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Nov 30
Nov 30

By Mark Pszonak


Last June, nobody outside of Columbia, South Carolina was talking about LaNorris Sellers. Today, he is a preseason favorite for the Heisman Trophy and considered one of the top young quarterbacks in the country. Here are three quarterbacks who have the potential to make the same type of jump during the next year.

1. C.J. Bailey (NC State)

The skinny: Bailey wasn’t supposed to play in 12 games and attempt 302 passes during his true freshman season, but after transfer Grayson McCall went down with an injury, he stepped in and showed his potential. As expected, there were some hiccups along the way, but overall, he passed for 2,413 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while completing 64.9% of his attempts. On top of that, he showcased his athleticism and dual-threat abilities with 279 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Bailey, 6-foot-6 and 210-pounds, also finished the season in style against North Carolina and East Carolina when he completed 33 of 46 passes (71.7%) for 472 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. He has all the tools to take the next step in 2025.

2. Austin Simmons (Ole Miss)

The skinny: There is growing buzz surrounding Simmons during the offseason, but it is mostly due to intrigue at this point as he has only completed 19 of 32 passes for 282 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions during his time in Oxford. However, head coach Lane Kiffin felt confident enough in his abilities to hand over his offense to Simmons, who is 6-foot-4 and 215-pounds, instead of finding a replacement via the transfer portal. Coach Kiffin’s offense is very quarterback friendly, so Simmons will quickly have the opportunity to shine. Plus, there is no worry about him having difficulties picking up the offense since his mental abilities equal his physical abilities as he graduated as a 19-year old back on May 10th.


Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks with quarterback Austin Simmons (13) after a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks with quarterback Austin Simmons (13) after a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

3. Demond Williams Jr. (Washington)

The skinny: Williams initially signed with Arizona but then followed head coach Jedd Fisch to Washington. As a true freshman backup of Will Rogers during the 2024 season, he still played significant snaps, which included starting the last two games. In these two games, against Oregon and Louisville, he completed 43 of 52 passes (82.7%) for 575 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Performances like these would excite any fanbase. In 2025, Williams, who is 5-foot-11 and 190-pounds, will be the unquestioned leader of the offense. Playing in the Pacific Northwest, the buzz isn’t as loud as it should be for the sophomore, but that will likely quickly change this fall. 


Category: College FootballTag: Arizona, Austin Simmons, C.J. Bailey, Demond Williams Jr., Jedd Fisch, Lane Kiffin, LaNorris Sellers, NC State, Ole Miss, Washington, Will Rogers
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