Three former Gamecocks saw their NFL dreams come true during the 2026 NFL Draft
, while others are looking to continue their playing careers as free agents.
Entering the NFL Draft, South Carolina had a number of players looking to find homes at the next level. Let's take a quick look at where some of those players landed over the weekend.
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Brandon Cisse
After spending one season in Columbia with the Gamecocks, Cisse was drafted with the 52 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers
. This past season, Cisse started all 12 games for the Gamecocks in Clayton White's defense
. He posted 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. He brings great athleticism and high upside to the Packers.
Nick Barrett
Barrett became the second gamecock off the board as the Los Angeles Chargers
selected him with the 145 overall selection in the fifth round. The 6-foot-3 and 312 pounder
was a rotational lineman for much of his career in South Carolina, but was a full time starter this past season.
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Jalon Kilgore
Kilgore was the last former Gamecock to be drafted as the Buffalo Bills
selected him with the 167 overall pick in the fifth round. Kilgore is a versatile member of the secondary, who should find a home in the nickel or safety spots. The Bills are getting a physical defensive back who also plays the ball well in the air.
Signings
Several Gamecocks either signed as undrafted free agents or were invited to rookie minicamps. Here is a full list of those players below.
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DQ Smith - Multiple rookie minicamp invites
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Rahsul Fiason - Multiple rookie minicamp invites
Oscar Adaway III, Demon Clowney, Eriq Rice, Collin Bryant, Jordan Dingle, Bradley Dunn, Jatius Geer, and Ronnie Porter still await their NFL futures. As new comes in, the list above will be updated.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/southcarolina as NFL Draft Recap: Where Did Former South Carolina Gamecocks Land in the Draft?
.
