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7 South Carolina players make Mel Kiper Jr.'s final 2026 NFL Draft big board

The Gamecocks have several 2026 NFL Draft hopefuls.
ByMorgan Moriarty|
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Oct 19, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle Nick Barrett (93) reacts after a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle Nick Barrett (93) reacts after a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is just a couple days away, and all 32 teams are looking to build their franchises around their draft picks this cycle. Among several draft hopefuls are former South Carolina players, and head coach Shane Beamer has produced several talented playmakers. 

Among some of the bigger names in this year's draft class include cornerback Brandon Cisse, safety Jalen Kilgore and running back Rashul Faison. 

On Tuesday, ESPN's Mel Kiper released his final big board of Top-150 prospects, and several Gamecocks were included. Let's take a look at where all of them ended up. Kiper both ranked players overall and by position. 

CB Brandon Cisse

Mel Kiper has the former Gamecock ranked highest on his big board, checking in at No. 47 overall. In his cornerback rankings, he has Cisse as the No. 6 overall cornerback in this year's draft, behind the likes of LSU's Mansoor Delane, Tennessee's Jermod McCoy, San Diego State's Chris Johnson, Tennessee's Colton Hood and Clemson's Avieon Terrell. 

S Jalon Kilgore  

Kiper slots former South Carolina safety at No. 86 in his overall rankings, but puts him as the No. 7 overall safety in this year's draft class. He checks in seventh behind the likes of Pitt's Kyle Louis at No. 4, followed by TCU's Bud Clark and Arizona's Treydan Stukes. 

DL Nick Barrett

Barrett just cracked Kiper's final list of 150 prospects, checking in at No. 120 overall. He does have Barrett as the No. 10 overall defensive tackle in this year's draft, in front of Penn State's Zane Durant. 

South Carolina makes final five schools for 5-star 2027 cornerback

RB Rahsul Faison 

South Carolina running back Rahsul Faison is Kiper's No. 23 overall ranked running back. He checks in right behind Ohio State's CJ Donaldson and two spots above Tennessee's Star Thomas. 

DE Bryan Thomas Jr. 

Bryan Thomas Jr. spent the last four seasons at South Carolina, accounting for 92 total tackles with 12.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Kiper has him as the No. 51 overall ranked edge rusher.

S DQ Smith 

DQ Smith checked in as Kiper's No. 36 overall safety, just behind Lardarius Webb Jr. out of Wake Forest and one spot ahead of San Diego State's Bryce Phillips. 

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