South Carolina did not recruit CB Brandon Cisse (6-0 175) much at all during his senior season at Lakewood High School in 2022. His best offers then were NC State, Appalachian State, Middle Tennessee State, Old Dominion, Western Michigan and Akron. In this age of Portal recruiting however, landing a prospect on the rebound is potentially better than getting him the first time around.
Cisse signed with NC State and spent two years with the Wolfpack before entering the NCAA Transfer Portal earlier this month. Monday night on his Instagram Cisse announced he had signed with USC after also visiting Ole Miss and Florida during his transfer process.
Cisse played in 22 games with the Wolfpack totaling 38 tackles with six pass deflections and one interception.
Cisse gives the Gamecocks two cornerbacks in their 2025 class of newcomers, and both are transfers. USC now has 39 newcomers in the class with 13 of them signed from the Portal.
Brandon Cisse Instagram announcement for USC
Here’s more on Cisse from his NC State bio:
2023 SEASON:
• Reserve corner who played in the Pack’s dime package.
• Played 142 snaps on defense and 82 on special teams.
• Saw a season-high 20 snaps of action vs. Marshall and again vs. Clemson.
• Picked off a pass to seal the win over Miami.
• Enrolled in January of 2023 and went through spring practice with the Wolfpack.
HIGH SCHOOL:
• Played defensive back and wide receiver at Lakewood for head coach Larry Cornelius.
• Career: Finished with 102 tackles, seven interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his final two seasons as Lakewood.
• As a senior: Had 69 tackles (five for loss) nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles and four interceptions on defense. On offense he carried the ball 49 times for 598 yards and six touchdowns. Also caught 19 passes for 349 yards and four touchdowns.
• As a junior: Finished with 33 tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. As a wide receiver caught 22 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns.
• Rankings: Ranked a four-star prospect and the No. 4 player in South Carolina by On3. A three-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports. Ranked the No. 6 player in South Carolina by 247Sports and the No. 37 cornerback in the nation.
PERSONAL
• Also played basketball and ran track. As a junior, ran 100-meter times of 11.12, 11.13 and 11.14. Ran the 200 in 22.09, 22.11 and 22.32.
• Major: Enrolled in the exploratory studies program.