South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore makes decision on NFL Draft
South Carolina is losing one of its best defensive backs a year early.
Junior Jalon Kilgore announced Thursday that he is foregoing his remaining eligibility and declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. On3 and ESPN first reported the news. He joins fellow South Carolina defensive back Brandon Cisse who also declared for the draft Thursday.
Kilgore is listed as the No. 9 safety in the draft according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s draft big board.
Kilgore had a stellar career in Columbia for the Gamecocks. He earned second-team All-SEC honors after finishing the 2025 season with 54 tackles, two interceptions (one of which came against Clemson) and a career-high 10 pass deflections. Kilgore was named to the All-SEC Preseason second team by the league’s coaches and media members in August. He played in all but one game this season for the Gamecocks.
“I feel like I’ve put myself in the best position to be ready to play against NFL talent,” Kilgore told ESPN. “I’ve been taught and coached by NFL coaches. I feel like this is the best decision for me and my family. I’ll bring a mindset to dominate and be a dominant competitor.”
In three seasons he played in 36 games and totaled 178 tackles. Kilgore earned All-SEC Freshman and Freshman All-American honors in 2023 after recording a career-high 78 tackles for South Carolina.
Last season, Kilgore totaled 48 tackles and his five interceptions was tied for the most in the SEC. Those numbers earned him All-SEC recognition from Phil Steele and College Football Nation.
The deadline for college players who are underclassmen to enter the 2026 NFL Draft is Jan. 14. The draft itself will be in Pittsburgh this year from April 23-25.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM.
