Saturday’s Kentucky vs. South Carolina contest delivered a dramatic and unexpected moment early in the game. In the first quarter, with 11:27 remaining, the Wildcats scored the first touchdown of the game. RB Seth McGowan’s 20-yard touchdown run ignited the crowd. Kentucky RB Seth McGowan was jubilant. He had just scored his seventh touchdown of the season. After reaching the end zone, in an act of celebration, the running back threw the ball up in the air towards the stands, the front row of Carolina fans seated behind the hedges. His jolly celebration unexpectedly hit an elderly individual in a wheelchair in the stands.

The Williams-Brice Stand took a pause, with fans concerned about whether the person was alright. Ultimately, it was revealed that the individual who was hit behind the hedges was none other than Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers’ grandfather.

Seth McGowan’s football career and background

A four-star prospect from Poteet High School, Texas, Seth McGowan was ranked No. 154 recruit in the class of 2020 and No. 20 as a running back. The 6’1, 215-pound beast of running back, Seth McGowan, started his collegiate career at Oklahoma. Playing seven games, he rushed for 370 yards on 58 carries and three touchdowns, but it soon turned into a nightmare.

The running back faced some legal challenges after being arrested for robbery, assault, and battery with a dangerous weapon in 2021. He was on probation for a year, with his Oklahoma career over. He then entered JUCO at the NAIA Texas College and then to the Butler Community College in 2023, appearing in six games, chipping in 125 yards on 39 carries and four touchdowns.

Last season, he entered New Mexico State, and he made a comeback. He scored three touchdowns on 152 carries, completing 823 yards. He was named the Second Team All-CUSA Offense and the College Football Network Third Team All-CUSA.

In the 2025 season, the senior running back has had an explosive season. Chipping in seven touchdowns on 68 carries, covering 387 yards for Kentucky. Emerging as one of the best running backs in the league, he leads the conference in rushing touchdowns with six. Wildcats coaches are in unison that the transfer running back runs like crazy on the ground. However, McGowan remains humble. “I say I run like I’m trying to get somewhere, for sure.” For his explosive performance against Eastern Michigan, he earned the Player of the Week honor from the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award. He threw three touchdowns in that game.

But the unfortunate incident on Saturday again pushed him into the headlines.

What happened during the celebration incident involving LaNorris Sellers’ grandfather?

LaNorris Sellers is the star quarterback of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Into the 2025 season, he has tallied 886 yards and four touchdowns, with a QB rating of 66.0. He also threw one interception. However, the clash against Kentucky turned a bit personal for LaNorris.

Unfortunately, Seth’s energetic display of enthusiasm turned unexpected. He threw the ball towards the stands, and it hit Sellers’ grandfather, who sat in the handicapped section to watch LaNorris’ 35-13 game streak. When the ball came his (Sellers’ granddad) way, he put his hands up, trying to deflect the ball, but, as appeared on the replay, the ball bounced off his chest and shoulders. It has been reported that Sellers’ grandfather is fine and that no serious harm was recorded. The medical staff and security rushed to his side, checked him up, and gave a thumbs up. Although the medics had to bind some wrappings on his right shoulder.

Reactions to Seth McGowan’s celebration and its aftermath

The stadium took a deep breath after the incident. A celebratory act turned into a nightmare. Seth McGowan took responsibility for his actions. “That was completely my fault,” the running back said after the game. “I would like to apologize to the fan that the ball connected with. I tried to throw it at the ground, and in a high-energy moment, it kind of slipped out, came out wrong. Absolutely unacceptable, and that’s something that won’t happen again.”

LaNorris Sellers recounted the moment with a mix of concern and humor. “My granddad was one who got hit with the ball the first time from Kentucky, so I was gonna go down there and give it to him. But, I mean….. he’s (his granddad)not down there anymore…so we can get you later.” But the reporter aided the update.

“I saw everything happen,” Sellers said. “I saw it, then they showed it on the Jumbotron and I was like, ‘Oh, yo, that’s my granddad.'” McGowan was not penalized for the incident. He issued both a verbal and written apology, which appeared sincere. The contact was unintentional in the heat of the moment, he tossed the ball, and it inadvertently landed near the section for fans with disabilities.