Robby Ashford cannot secure a regular spot at South Carolina

Former Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford transferred away from the Plains after an up-and-down 2023 season that saw his role diminish under new head coach Hugh Freeze. After committing to South Carolina, the 21-year-old senior appeared to have the best chance of being in the starting lineup for his new team in 2024 following the graduation of Spencer Rattler.

Unfortunately, this insider tip did not work out for Ashford, as head coach Shane Beamer announced on Tuesday that it would not be Ashford, but rookie LaNorris Sellers who will be his team's starting quarterback in 2024. The news is tough for Ashford, who was a regular starting quarterback for Auburn in 2022.

After attempting just 27 passes all of last season, the Hoover, AL native will likely receive a similar workload behind the 19-year-old Sellers. With expectations for South Carolina fairly low entering the season, it's also possible Beamer will allow his freshman starter more freedom in hopes of improving his game on the fly.

Whether Ashford gets a chance to lead his team this season will likely depend on Sellers' health and early success (or lack thereof). Failure to start more than a handful of games would be an unfortunate and disappointing ending for the former four-star recruit.

Ashford, Sellers and the Gamecocks open the season on August 31 against Old Dominion in Columbia.

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