Four South Carolina Gamecocks Set for 2026 NFL Combine

Defensive backs Brandon Cisse and Jalon Kilgore, defensive lineman Nick Barrett, and running back Rahsul Faison will represent the Gamecocks at the annual pre-draft event.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is set to take place from February 23 to March 1, and four players from the University of South Carolina will be participating. The group includes defensive backs Brandon Cisse and Jalon Kilgore, defensive lineman Nick Barrett, and running back Rahsul Faison.

Why it matters

The NFL Combine is a crucial event for college players looking to improve their draft stock ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. For the Gamecocks, having four players invited to the event showcases the talent on their roster and provides an opportunity for these individuals to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches and executives.

The details

Brandon Cisse, a cornerback, transferred to South Carolina prior to the 2025 season and established himself as a steady presence on the outside. The 6-foot, 196-pound defensive back offers impressive athleticism and upside, which has him projected as a potential early-round draft pick. Jalon Kilgore, a versatile defensive back, has been a regular starter for the Gamecocks since 2023 and can play multiple positions in the secondary. Nick Barrett, a 6-foot-3, 322-pound defensive lineman, was a rotational player early in his career before becoming a full-time starter in 2025. Rahsul Faison, an elusive running back, had a strong 2025 season, carrying the ball 96 times for 470 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 19 receptions for 118 yards.

  • The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is set to begin on February 23 and run through March 1.

The players

Brandon Cisse

A cornerback who transferred to South Carolina prior to the 2025 season and established himself as a steady presence on the outside with impressive athleticism and upside.

Jalon Kilgore

A versatile defensive back who has been a regular starter for the Gamecocks since 2023 and can play multiple positions in the secondary.

Nick Barrett

A 6-foot-3, 322-pound defensive lineman who was a rotational player early in his career before becoming a full-time starter in 2025.

Rahsul Faison

An elusive running back who had a strong 2025 season, carrying the ball 96 times for 470 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 19 receptions for 118 yards.

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What they’re saying

“Brandon Cisse is a scheme versatile defender who is an A+ run defender.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL Network Analyst (NFL Network)

The takeaway

The four Gamecocks participating in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine represent the depth and talent on South Carolina's roster, providing an opportunity for these players to showcase their skills and potentially improve their draft stock ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.