Another South Carolina defensive back making jump to NFL

South Carolina junior defensive back Jalon Kilgore will forego his last year of collegiate eligibility to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, GamecockCentral’s Wes Mitchell has confirmed. On3’s Pete Nakos first reported the news. He joins fellow junior DB Brandon Cisse as Gamecocks to declare for the draft.

Recently, an NFL scouting source expressed that Kilgore was likely a mid-round pick in next spring’s draft. He has picked up some predictions as high as the first round, however, thanks to his combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills on the back end of the defense.

He projects as a player who could contribute at multiple defensive positions in the NFL. Though most of Kilgore’s collegiate snaps came at nickel, he has some experience playing safety.

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Kilgore spent three years with the Gamecocks and produced from the time he arrived on campus. A Freshman All-American season in 2023 turned into All-SEC honors in both 2024 and 2025.

In 2023, Kilgore was second on the USC defense in tackles. During the 2024 season, the versatile defensive back tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions. This fall, Kilgore led South Carolina with 10 passes defended.

The NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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