South Carolina nearly pulled off an upset at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2024. Led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers, the Gamecocks had a second-half lead, but wound up falling 27-25 to Alabama football.

In 2025, Sellers and USC will face the Crimson Tide again, this time on their home field. Speaking to reporters at SEC media days in Atlanta on Monday, Sellers was asked about potential keys to victory in the rematch.

“Just building on what we did last year,” Sellers said. “Limiting those plays that lost us the game, those two or three plays. Two or three plays make a big difference.”

One of Alabama’s upcoming opponents, Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos said during an offseason interview that he didn’t think the Crimson Tide was anywhere near its past standard. Sellers disagreed publicly shortly thereafter.

Asked about the comments on Monday, the sophomore explained why he felt that way.

“I think it’s come from me playing them,” Sellers said. “I’ve seen them face-to-face, just facing their defense. Their defensive line was strong. They were all fast. Linebackers, super physical. DBs, they did their jobs well, disguised well, and they had a good scheme.”

Sellers is on schedule to be one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks this season. He’ll have a new offensive coordinator, another connection to Alabama, with former Crimson Tide head coach Mike Shula taking over the role.

Shula returned to the college game last season, as a senior offensive assistant for the Gamecocks. He worked closely with Sellers, who explained how Shula helped his game.

“It’s good,” Sellers said of the relationship with his OC. “Bringing stuff from the NFL, coach to guys like Eli Manning, to Cam Newton, two completely different players, and then using it all on me is good to use.”

Alabama makes the return trip to South Carolina on Oct. 25. The Crimson Tide will begin preseason camp in early August, before opening the season visiting Florida State on Aug. 30.