2026 NFL Draft: How to watch, time, schedule and full draft order for Gamecock hopefuls

Each and every year, the NFL draft puts college football players on football’s biggest stage as they move onto the next phase of their careers. Simultaneously, it allows the players themselves to achieve their dreams of playing in the NFL. 

The 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday evening, is no different. For former South Carolina Gamecock players, there are a number of players who are hoping to have their names called. Some of the biggest names to keep an eye on in this year’s draft include cornerback Brandon Cisse, safety Jalon Kilgore, running back Rahsul Faison and defensive lineman Nick Barrett.

While the Gamecocks may not get a first-round pick this year, South Carolina is expected to have several players both taken in the draft and as undrafted free agents. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Best first-round NFL draft picks in South Carolina football history

When is the 2026 NFL Draft? 

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 across three days in Pittsburgh, Penn. The draft stage will be near Arcisure Stadium, home of the Steelers. This year marks the second time the draft has been held in Pittsburgh, as the city hosted the event in 1948 at the Fort Pit Hotel. 

Round one will begin on Thursday evening, with rounds two and three will be on Friday night and rounds three-seven will happen on Saturday.   

How to watch Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

• When: Thursday, April 23
• Where: Pittsburgh, Penn. 
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Live TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network 
• Live stream: Watch ESPN

The first round will start at 8 p.m. ET sharp on Thursday evening, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the first overall pick. Fans can tune into the draft on television through a variety of different options, including ESPN, ABC and NFL Network.  Those without cable can stream on Watch ESPN.

8 biggest NFL draft steals in South Carolina football history

Full first-round draft order 

Here's a look at the full draft order for the first round, from picks 1-32, starting with the Las Vegas Raiders and ending with the Seattle Seahawks. 

1. Las Vegas Raiders
2. New York Jets
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Washington Commanders
8. New Orleans Saints
9. Kansas City Chiefs
10. New York Giants (via Cincinatti)
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta)
14. Baltimore Ravens
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis)
17. Detroit Lions
18. Minnesota Vikings
19. Carolina Panthers
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay)
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
22. Los Angeles Chargers
23. Philadelphia Eagles
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville)
25. Chicago Bears
26. Buffalo Bills
27. San Francisco 49ers
28. Houston Texans
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles)
30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver)
31. New England Patriots
32. Seattle Seahawks
    

Will any South Carolina players get drafted? 

There are a number of guys that are projected to be picked across all seven rounds. The biggest name is cornerback Brandon Cisse, who is projected mostly to go somewhere in the second round. His teammate, safety Jalon Kilgore, is a projected third-rounder, and defensive lineman Nick Barrett is likely a fourth or fifth-round pick. 

Other big names like running back Rahsul Faison, EDGE rusher Bryan Thomas Jr. and safety D.Q. Smith could end up being either late-rounders or undrafted free agents.  

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