South Carolina defensive back Brandon Cisse makes his NFL decision
A South Carolina defensive back has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Junior Brandon Cisse announced Thursday through an interview with ESPN his intentions to forego his final year of college eligibility and enter the draft.
Cisse is generally regarded as a potential late first round, early second round pick by various mock drafts.
“I’m excited to fulfill my lifelong dream,” Cisse told ESPN.
Cisse recorded 27 tackles in 12 games with South Carolina in 2025. He had one interception and tied his career high with five pass selections. His Pro Football Focus grade for run defense (87.8) was the best on the team. Cisse’s PFF grades for overall defense (72.6) and coverage (68.3) were both No. 6 on the team.
“I loved my experience here,” Cisse told ESPN of his time at USC. “I think it was the best decision I made for my college experience. It was great to live out a lifelong dream to come play here.”
Cisse, who is from Sumter and attended Lakewood High School, started his college career at N.C. State. He played in 22 games across two years, totaled 38 tackles and had one interception.
His younger brother, Cedric Cisse, is also a defensive back for South Carolina.
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 11:53 AM.
