Jalon Kilgore declares for NFL draft, South Carolina losing veteran DB

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

(This story was updated to add new information)

COLUMBIA — South Carolina football defensive coordinator Clayton White is losing another key piece to the secondary after defensive back Jalon Kilgore declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Dec. 11.

Kilgore played three years for coach Shane Beamer, mainly at nickel this season and is the second defensive player to forgo their eligibility. Transfer cornerback Brandon Cisse also declared on Dec. 11.

Kilgore spent two years as a starter and had 109 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, eight interceptions, 21 pass break ups and 29 passes defended.

“These past years at South Carolina have been nothing short of a blessing,” Kilgore wrote on X. “This place has shaped me, challenged me, and helped me grow into the man and player I am today … to my coaches, staff, everyone in this program who believed in me: thank you.”

Jalon Kilgore leaving South Carolina for NFL draft

Kilgore also worked on special teams as a punt returner. He recorded 74 yards on 12 attempts, averaging 6.2 yard per run and an average of 2.056 yards per game.

In 2024, his most noteworthy game was on Nov. 16 against Missouri when he recorded five solo tackles. He got beat on the go-ahead touchdown late in the game from Missouri but after South Carolina went down the field to score and go up, Kilgore intercepted Missouri’s final drive to seal the game.

Pro Football Focus graded his tackling 77.7 for the 2025 season, highlighted by what was his final game in college on Nov. 29 against Clemson, where he was graded 85.5. He had a big interception in the end zone against the Tigers.

His brother Gerald Kilgore was a redshirt junior this season.

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky‪@bylulukesin.bsky.social‬

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Jalon Kilgore declares for NFL draft, South Carolina losing veteran DB

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos