Following the spring game the race for backup quarterback between freshman Cutter Woods, redshirt freshman Air Noland and graduate student Luke Doty to be redshirt sophomore LaNorris Sellers understudy is seemingly closer than ever.
While QB1 is locked up by the incumbent and reigning SEC Freshmen of the Year LaNorris Sellers, Woods, Noland and Doty have all shown flashes and reasons as to why they should be QB2.
LaNorris Sellers
Entering his second season as the Gamecocks starting quarterback, Sellers will try and improve on a season that saw him rack up 2,534 yards passing for 18 touchdowns in addition to 674 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground as a redshirt freshman. He was also named the Football Writers Association of America National Freshman Offensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-SEC second team.
Sellers has taken the offseason to hone in on his mechanics, in an attempt to pair it with his elite athleticism.
“Footwork, timing anticipation, just really trust in my arm knowing I can make these throws then just having to go out there and do it,” Sellers said.
Sellers has also be noted in several preseason Heisman conversations for the 2025-26 season, along with putting himself on the trajectory to be a first round pick in next years NFL draft.
Despite taking limited snaps in the spring game, Sellers showcased his improved timing while also demonstrating his elite ability to escape from pressure.
His ability to make big plays was also on full display from the very first snap. After receiving a throwback pass from freshmen wideout Brian Rowe Jr, Sellers found redshirt senior tight end Jordan Dingle for a 29-yard gain.
Two freshman quarterbacks shine
Following the spring game, head coach Shane Beamer noted the youth in the quarterback room and how all the quarterbacks have not only progressed throughout spring practice but now having game-like experience in an SEC stadium will carry over into the summer and next season.
Woods, who is a South Carolina native, got his first taste of Williams-Brice Stadium on Friday and introduced himself to fans and potentially put himself on top in the backup QB competition.
Coming in as a three-star recruit Woods saw great success in high school being named MaxPreps South Carolina High School Football Player of the Year twice to go along with a state title in 2023 at Westside High School.
“Cutter's done a really good job. He's very conscientious kid. He's a smart kid,” offensive coordinator Mike Shula said. “His improvement has increased at a very good level.”
In the spring game ,Woods displayed his confidence from his very first play, launching a 51-yard bomb to redshirt sophomore wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs. Later in the drive, Woods delivered a 23-yard strike to Rowe Jr., before punching it in himself from one yard out to get his team on the scoreboard.
“Certain guys, when the lights come on, they just elevate their games and that's Cutter Woods, he's a winner” Beamer said.
Woods finished the spring game 6-13 passing for 120 yards to go along with a rushing touchdown and an interception.
Air Noland joined the Gamecocks this past offseason by way of the transfer portal and will look to make a name for himself in Columbia.
Following his departure from Ohio State, the former four-star recruit has already impressed the Gamecocks coaching staff despite still being in his freshmen year of college.
Noland, a Georgia native, was a decorated high school QB throwing for over 100 touchdowns and 10,000 yards at Langston Hughes High School.
Noland displayed great poise, dealing with pressure on most of his snaps while still making throws on time. Despite traditionally being used as a pocket passer in high school, Noland showcased his ability to evade pressure and extend plays throughout the spring game. Playing in the Garnet & Black Spring Game, Noland threw for 67 yards on 9-16 passing with one interception.
Veteran presence in quarterback room
Doty may not fit the youth narrative heading into his sixth year with the Gamecocks, but provides leadership being the oldest guy in the room and a different perspective playing tight end in addition to quarterback.
“Luke's had a really good spring, he's a really good football player, he's a great teammate, he's a great leader, he makes our team better whether he's playing receiver, whether he's playing special teams, whether he's playing quarterback, he makes us better,” Beamer said.
In the Garnet & Black game, despite not playing any quarterback last season, Doty had one of the best performances out of any of the quarterbacks on Friday, completing 10-12 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.
“As far as just playing the position, it’s never really hard to pick back up, it's just like riding a bike,” Doty said.
Playing in his final spring game, Doty brought a poise and veteran mentality that paid dividends as he led Team Garnet to victory. Alongside many new faces, Doty turned in an efficient and turnover-free outing in the spring game.
His best throw, however, came in the second quarter, hitting freshmen receiver Malik Clark on the back shoulder for a 16-yard touchdown.
Going into next season, Doty will wear many hats for the Gamecocks but after his performance this spring he is more than vying for the backup QB role.
Without any of the QB2 hopefuls being able to separate themselves from the pack, all suitors will look to summer and fall camp, to take the next step into being the Gamecocks backup quarterback.