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South Carolina players in 2026 NFL mock drafts, including Brandon Cisse, Jalon Kilgore
TL;DR
Brandon Cisse and Jalon Kilgore from South Carolina are projected as second- or third-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. This continues a trend of Gamecocks players being drafted for the ninth consecutive year.
Key points
- Brandon Cisse and Jalon Kilgore projected for 2026 NFL Draft
- Both players expected to be second- or third-round picks
- 35 defensive backs from South Carolina drafted historically
- Ninth consecutive year with Gamecocks players drafted
South CarolinaBrandon CisseJalon KilgoreNFL Draft
South Carolina players in 2026 NFL mock drafts, including Brandon Cisse, Jalon Kilgore
COLUMBIA — South Carolina football has had 35 defensive backs taken in the NFL draft.
Now two more are hoping they will be added to that list.
Brandon Cisse and Jalon Kilgore are projected to be second- or third-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. This would mark the ninth straight year with Gamecocks players drafted.
South Carolina went 4-8 in 2025, its worst season under coach Shane Beamer, but the defense was often a bright spot as the offense struggled.
Round 1 of the draft is on April 23 at 8 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh and is airing on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network.
Brandon Cisse, Jalon Kilgore in 2026 NFL mock drafts
Cisse spent one season with the Gamecocks, transferring after two season at NC State. At South Carolina, the cornerback had 19 solo tackles, seven pass breakups, five passes defended, one forced fumble and one interception.
Kilgore spent three seasons with Beamer, mainly playing nickel after starting his career on special teams. In his Gamecocks career, he had 109 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, eight interceptions, 21 pass breakups and 29 passes defended.
Q&A
Who are the South Carolina players projected for the 2026 NFL Draft?
Brandon Cisse and Jalon Kilgore are the South Carolina players projected to be drafted in 2026.
What round are Brandon Cisse and Jalon Kilgore expected to be drafted in?
Both players are projected to be selected in the second or third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
How many South Carolina players have been drafted in the NFL historically?
Historically, 35 defensive backs from South Carolina have been taken in the NFL draft.
What is the significance of the 2026 NFL Draft for South Carolina football?
The 2026 NFL Draft would mark the ninth consecutive year that South Carolina has had players drafted.
