South Carolina’s Jalon Kilgore declares for 2026 NFL Draft
By David Wasson
Published:
Standout South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore has decided to forgo his senior season in Columbia and declared himself eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Kilgore made this announcement on his X account on Thursday, saying, “After deep reflection and prayer, I believe it is in my best interest to take the next step in my journey. With gratitude for all that South Carolina has given me, I am announcing that I will forgo the remainder of my collegiate eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft.”
Kilgore, a 6-foot-1, 211-pounder from Eatonton, Georgia, recorded 32 solo tackles with 22 assists, 10 passes defended, and 2 interceptions in 2025. Kilgore made 31 solo stops with 5 passes defended and 5 interceptions – which tied for the SEC lead – in 2024.
Kilgore recorded 46 solo stops with 6 pass defenses, a forced fumble, and an interception as a freshman in 2023 en route to freshman All-SEC and freshman All-American honors. He is projected to be a middle-round draft selection as a safety in early mock drafts.
South Carolina finished 4-8 overall and 1-7 in SEC play in 2025. The Gamecocks’ pass defense ranked 60th in the NCAA in passing yards allowed at 216.3 yards per game – a mark that ranked eighth in the SEC.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
