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South Carolina Football Eyes Ninth Straight Draft
24 Apr
Summary
- South Carolina aims for a ninth consecutive year with NFL draft picks.
- Jalon Kilgore and Brandon Cisse are projected as high-round selections.
- The 2026 NFL Draft runs from April 23-25, with rounds broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.
South Carolina's football program is poised to extend its impressive streak of having players selected in the NFL Draft to nine consecutive years. This year, the Gamecocks' hopes rest largely on the shoulders of defensive backs Jalon Kilgore and Brandon Cisse, both of whom are projected as early-round selections, likely falling in the second or third rounds.
The 2026 NFL Draft commences on April 23 with the first round, followed by the second and third rounds on April 24, and concludes with rounds four through seven on April 25. Fans can follow the action on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. In 2025, South Carolina had a program-best five defensive players drafted, with four selected within the first four rounds, underscoring a recent surge in defensive talent.
Beyond Kilgore and Cisse, other Gamecocks participated in the NFL combine and Pro Day, with prospects like running back Rahsul Faison and defensive lineman Nick Barrett also garnering mock draft attention. Many of these players may secure undrafted free agent contracts following the draft's conclusion, further demonstrating the depth of talent developed by the program.
