Sellers leads Gamecocks surge in Week 9 Heisman rankings

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers claimed the Heisman of the Week award following a dominant performance against Oklahoma in Week 9. The Gamecocks defeated the Sooners 42 to 25, with Sellers at the center of an offensive explosion that gained 521 total yards. This was the highest output allowed by the Oklahoma defense since late 2023, marking a significant statement win for a team that had previously lost three consecutive games to start its SEC schedule.

Sellers’ performance was multifaceted, combining precision passing with explosive rushing. He completed 19 of 24 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 101 non-sack yards and two scores. His second-quarter burst, which included a 30-yard run and several deep completions, effectively decided the game. Despite throwing two interceptions, his overall impact was overwhelming, earning him the top spot in the weekly rankings and 10 points in the season-long Heisman Hopefuls Fan Vote.

The win continues a recent three-game winning streak for South Carolina, which also includes victories over Florida and Tennessee. Sellers has had a volatile career, characterized by high athletic potential and significant sacks, but he appears to be finding his rhythm. His current form has reinvigorated the team, suggesting a late-season charge that could keep them competitive through November.

The broader Heisman race has become increasingly competitive, with Miami quarterback Darian Mensah rising to become the betting favorite at DraftKings. This shift comes after a strong performance against North Carolina, where Mensah completed 22 of 29 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns. His efficiency has been notable this season, though his completion percentage dropped slightly to 80.7 percent following the game. Miami’s success has also elevated the status of receiver Malachi Toney, who remains a strong contender for the award.

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, the longtime favorite, has slipped to second place in the betting odds. After generating only 83 receiving yards in a loss to USC, his odds have adjusted significantly. Smith is still the leader in the season-long points system with 27.5 points, followed closely by Toney with 27 points. The race appears to be narrowing to a three-way battle involving Smith, Toney, and Mensah, with other players like Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss also in the conversation.

Other notable performances in Week 9 included a high-scoring duel between Oklahoma State and Iowa State. Caleb Hawkins and Aiden Flora combined for 496 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns, showcasing explosive playmaking on both sides. Hawkins rushed for 174 yards and caught a 59-yard touchdown, while Flora ran for 221 yards and two scores. The game’s back-and-forth nature highlighted the offensive prowess of both teams despite questions about their defensive units.

In other categories, Indiana’s Charlie Becker provided a crucial play to force overtime against Minnesota, while kicker Luke Drzewiecki converted a 60-yard field goal to take the lead. North Texas quarterback Tayven Jackson also had a standout game, passing for 404 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Florida Atlantic. These performances underscore the depth of talent across the country as the season progresses.

The weekly rankings also recognized defensive efforts, with Colorado’s Gideon Lampron earning a top 10 spot for his 16 tackles and two sacks against Kansas State. The Buffaloes used this performance to end a five-game losing streak. Additionally, Iowa quarterback Hank Brown led his team to a 30-0 victory over Wisconsin, marking a significant improvement for the Hawkeyes offense.

In the FCS division, Western Illinois quarterback Kennedy McGill was named the Gordie Lockbaum of the Week. He rushed for 295 yards and four touchdowns while also throwing for 180 yards, leading the Leathernecks to a win over Charleston Southern. McGill’s dual-threat ability has made him a standout player in the smaller-school landscape this season.

As the Heisman race intensifies, the focus remains on how the top contenders perform in the coming weeks. With the betting odds shifting rapidly, every game has the potential to alter the trajectory of the award. Sellers’ latest triumph has certainly injected momentum into the South Carolina program, while the Miami and Ohio State players continue to stake their claims as the season moves toward its final stretch.