South Carolina has a knack for producing standout defensive backs, not just stars in college but players who transition seamlessly to the NFL. Among those looking to make a splash in the 2026 draft are Brandon Cisse and Jalon Kilgore, both of whom showcased their skills with the Gamecocks in 2025.
Cisse, who played cornerback, recently shared his top four all-time South Carolina DBs in a CBS Sports College Football segment. His list? A testament to the legacy of excellence.
Leading the pack is his mentor, Stephon Gilmore. Then there's Jaycee Horn, a name that still echoes in NFL circles.
Ko Simpson, a force back in the day, also made the cut. And rounding out the list is Cisse’s good friend, Nick Emmanwori.
Horn and Emmanwori continue to make waves in the league, with Horn suiting up for the Carolina Panthers and Emmanwori contributing to the Seattle Seahawks' success. Simpson, after three seasons with Buffalo, made his mark in Detroit back in 2009.
As for Gilmore, his career is the gold standard. The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time Pro Bowler, and two-time All-Pro, he also boasts a Super Bowl ring.
Emmanwori's impact was immediate, helping Seattle clinch a Super Bowl victory last season and finishing second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Horn, meanwhile, has been a consistent threat, with 10 career interceptions, five of which came in the 2025 season.
Simpson's collegiate accolades include being an All-American in 2005 and SEC Freshman of the Year the season before, highlighting the rich tradition of defensive excellence at South Carolina.