South Carolina’s defense once again is sending players off to the NFL. After having five players selected in last year’s spring draft, the Gamecocks had two players announce on Thursday that they are declaring for the 2026 draft. Earlier in the day, DB Brandon Cisse made the announcement that he was moving on from Columbia. A few hours later, his secondary teammate Jalon Kilgore followed suit.
Kilgore earned second-team All-SEC honors after finishing the 2025 season with 54 tackles, two interceptions, and a career-high 10 pass deflections. He was named to the All-SEC Preseason second team by the league’s coaches and media members in August. For his career, Kilgore accounted for 178 total tackles, one forced fumble and eight interceptions, playing nickel primarily.
He is ranked as Mel Kiper’s No. 9 safety prospect.