**BREAKING: 5-Star Phenom QB LaNorris Sellers Commits to Ohio State Basketball Over Texas Longhorns, Gamecocks, Tennessee Vols**
In a stunning and unprecedented move, five-star quarterback phenom LaNorris Sellers has committed to Ohio State—but not for football. The elite dual-threat QB, one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 class, has shockingly chosen to play basketball for the Buckeyes, spurning football offers from powerhouse programs like the Texas Longhorns, South Carolina Gamecocks, and Tennessee Volunteers. The decision has sent shockwaves through the college sports landscape, leaving analysts, coaches, and fans scrambling to make sense of the bombshell announcement.
Sellers, a 6’3”, 220-pound dynamo from South Florence High School in South Carolina, has been a dominant force on the gridiron, showcasing a rare combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ that made him a top target for nearly every major program in the nation. His recruitment was one of the most closely followed in recent memory, with many expecting him to follow in the footsteps of recent elite South Carolina quarterbacks who thrived in the SEC. Yet, in a twist few saw coming, Sellers revealed his passion for basketball outweighed his football future, opting to join Chris Holtmann’s Buckeyes instead.
The decision raises immediate questions about Ohio State’s recruitment strategy and Sellers’ long-term aspirations. While he was a standout high school basketball player, his future as a quarterback was considered a near-certainty at the collegiate and potentially professional level. His athleticism, size, and explosiveness translate well to the hardwood, but few expected him to prioritize basketball over a likely multimillion-dollar NFL future. Some insiders suggest that Ohio State may have pitched a two-sport opportunity, though Sellers’ announcement explicitly stated his commitment was for basketball only.
For Texas, South Carolina, and Tennessee, this is a brutal miss. The Longhorns had been heavily linked to Sellers as a potential heir apparent to Arch Manning, while the Gamecocks saw him as the in-state savior capable of revitalizing their program under Shane Beamer. Tennessee, meanwhile, had hoped to pair Sellers with Nico Iamaleava in a dynamic quarterback room. Instead, all three programs are left reevaluating their QB boards late in the cycle, while Ohio State—already loaded with basketball talent—adds a freak athlete who could develop into a disruptive wing or guard.
The ramifications of this decision are immense. For Ohio State basketball, landing a player of Sellers’ caliber—even as a raw but high-upside prospect—signals a major coup. His athleticism alone makes him a potential lockdown defender and transition nightmare, and if he dedicates himself fully to basketball, he could evolve into an NBA draft sleeper. For football, however, this represents a seismic “what if.” Had Sellers chosen the Buckeyes for football, he could have been the next in line behind recent OSU QB stars like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields. Instead, Ryan Day’s staff must look elsewhere, while Holtmann gains an intriguing project.
Reaction from the recruiting world has been mixed. Some analysts applaud Sellers for following his passion rather than succumbing to the pressure of football expectations. Others question whether this is a short-lived experiment, speculating that he could eventually transfer to a football program if basketball doesn’t pan out. There’s also the lingering possibility that Ohio State could persuade him to join the football team down the line, though Sellers has been adamant that his focus is solely on hoops.
For now, the college sports world is left to digest one of the most surprising recruiting decisions in recent memory. LaNorris Sellers, the can’t-miss QB, is heading to Columbus—not to throw touchdowns, but to chase rebounds, fast breaks, and perhaps a legacy nobody saw coming. Whether this gamble pays off for him—or becomes a cautionary tale—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Buckeyes just landed the most fascinating wild card in college sports.
