In the 2026 NFL Draft, South Carolina saw three players here their named called. With offseason workouts getting underway, all three have now signed their rookie contracts as they gear up for their first year in the league.
The Gamecocks saw cornerback Brandon Cisse come off the board to the Green Bay Packers in the second-round while defensive lineman Nick Barrett and defensive back Jalon Kilgore were both fifth-round selections by the Los Angeles Chargers and the Buffalo Bills, respectively.
Below, we will take a look at each of the drafted Gamecocks rookie contracts, according to spotrac.com.
Brandon Cisse: Four-year, $9,364,934 with a $3,270,860
Nick Barrett: Four-year, $4,923,120 deal with a $543,120 signing bonus.
Jalon Kilgore: Four-year, $4,843,324 deal with a $463,324 signing bonus.
Cisse logged 27 total tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and one interception in his one season with the Gamecocks after transferring from N.C. State. Cisse spent the first two seasons of his career in Raleigh after signing with the Wolfpack out of Lakewood High School in Sumter, S.C.
"He's one of the few guys who can play off man, can play press," Packers' general manager Brian Gutekunst said. "His suddenness through transition is something that stood out to us. He's very young. We think his best football is ahead of him. We think he has so much more left in the tank, not only as a player, but physically, as well. We think he will get bigger and stronger.
"He was one of those players that didn't see being available when we were picking at 52. We were sure happy that he did. We were really like that fact that he took the step and went to South Carolina and better competition and really showed well this past year."
Barrett turned in a solid final season at South Carolina as he logged 42 total tackles, which included 27 solo stops, while also recording two sacks and a pass breakup. In his five seasons with the Gamecocks, he was credited with 72 total tackles in 51 games played, which included 12 starts.
"Another physical player. Technically sound. Plays the game the way we play it," Chargers' general manager Joe Hortiz said on Barrett. "Square, uses his hands well. Has good instincts. Block recognition. Locates the ball, effort to it. Just a guy that we honestly feel like he is the type of player that can get better and develop into a starter.
"He played behind some guys last year in the rotation and this year, had the chance to get a greater role. You see it. Just a physical, smart, instinctive tough guy. Big man. Knows how to use his hands. Makes plays at the point and pursuit. Great kid. He is one of our blue star players. A lot to like with him."
In his three years with the Gamecocks, Kilgore recorded 178 total tackles while breaking up 21 passes and intercepting eight in 36 games played. This past season, Kilgore was credited with 54 tackles and two interceptions. Kilgore will reunite with his former teammate in defensive tackle T.J. Sanders in Buffalo.