T-Mobile continues to expand its NIL presence in college football, announcing South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers as one of the newest faces in its campaign. Sellers, who delivered over 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns for the Gamecocks in 2024, brings both production and personality to the table—making him an ideal partner for a brand that thrives on national visibility and digital engagement.

This latest move is part of T-Mobile’s broader strategy to connect with younger audiences through college football players with NIL deals, tapping into the authenticity of athletes who resonate with fans both online and on game day.

The Partnership

Sellers’ deal centers around a “Friday Night Lights” theme, where he’ll appear in promotional content highlighting the energy of stadium culture and the connectivity that T-Mobile promises. The collaboration isn’t just a one-off activation—it’s a positioning play, linking one of the SEC’s rising quarterbacks with a brand synonymous with nationwide coverage.

Through video campaigns and social media rollouts, Sellers will be featured as a central figure in T-Mobile’s fall marketing strategy. His inclusion underscores how the impact of name image and likeness on college athletics has given brands new opportunities to build campaigns that merge performance, culture, and lifestyle.

Why They Chose Him

According to the Out2Win Athlete Intelligence Platform, LaNorris Sellers carries an Out2Win Score of 72. He has a social following of 64.6K across platforms, with a remarkable 23.92% engagement rate that sets him apart from many of his peers.

That level of audience interaction is a goldmine for brands like T-Mobile. It’s not just about raw follower numbers—it’s about resonance. Sellers has already proven that his audience is active, loyal, and willing to engage, especially when it comes to sponsored content.

His NIL résumé is also quickly stacking up. Prior to T-Mobile, Sellers partnered with Cheez-It, Beats by Dre, and HeyDude, showcasing his ability to work with both lifestyle and mainstream consumer brands. For a national campaign, he brings the perfect blend of credibility and relatability.

A Rising Star On and Off the Field

On the gridiron, Sellers is one of the SEC’s most promising quarterbacks. His ability to push the ball downfield while also extending plays with his legs made him the centerpiece of South Carolina’s offense last season.

Off the field, his authentic presence online has turned him into a powerful ambassador for the Gamecocks program. NIL has allowed him to amplify that influence, creating opportunities not only for himself but also for the visibility of South Carolina athletics more broadly.

The Bigger Picture

T-Mobile’s partnership with Sellers is a clear example of how name image likeness college athletics is shaping the future of sports marketing. Instead of waiting for athletes to make the leap to the professional level, brands are seizing the opportunity to work with them at the height of their college careers.

For Sellers, it’s another step in building a well-rounded personal brand. For T-Mobile, it’s proof that NIL isn’t just about signing athletes—it’s about connecting with communities, driving engagement, and embedding themselves in the culture of college football.