Four South Carolina Gamecocks are headed to Indianapolis later this month, each looking to turn heads at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine - the league’s premier pre-draft showcase where futures can be made or marred in a matter of drills and interviews. The group includes running back Rahsul Faison, defensive lineman Nick Barrett, and defensive backs Jalon Kilgore and Brandon Cisse - each bringing a unique skill set and resume to the table as they prepare to test in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers.
Let’s break down what each of these prospects brings to the table.
Rahsul Faison: A One-Year Impact Player
Faison made the most of his lone season in Columbia after transferring in from Utah State. He rushed for 470 yards and three touchdowns on 96 carries, showing a blend of patience and burst that made him a reliable option out of the backfield. He also added 19 receptions for 118 yards, flashing the kind of versatility that NFL teams value in today’s pass-heavy league.
His standout moment came against Vanderbilt, where he racked up 74 yards and a touchdown on just 15 carries - a performance that highlighted his ability to carry the load when called upon. At the Combine, Faison’s agility drills and 40-yard dash will be especially important as he tries to show he has the explosiveness to be more than just a rotational back at the next level.
Jalon Kilgore: The Steady Enforcer in the Secondary
At 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, Kilgore brings the size and production that make defensive coordinators take notice. Over three seasons with the Gamecocks, he racked up 178 total tackles, 21 pass breakups, and eight interceptions across 36 games. That’s not just solid - it’s the kind of consistent ball production that suggests a player with strong instincts and a nose for the football.
This past season, Kilgore added 54 tackles and two picks to his resume. He’s not just a stat compiler either - he’s a physical presence in the run game who doesn’t shy away from contact.
At the Combine, look for his positional drills and interviews to be key. Teams will want to see how he moves in space and how he processes the game - two traits that separate starting-caliber safeties from depth pieces.
Nick Barrett: The Anchor Up Front
Barrett quietly put together a strong final season on the Gamecocks’ defensive front. He totaled 42 tackles, including 27 solo stops, two sacks, and a pass breakup. His ability to hold the point of attack and eat up blocks allowed others around him to make plays, but he also showed flashes of disruption himself.
He had five-tackle games against both Vanderbilt and Alabama, and his best outing came against Missouri, where he notched six stops. Barrett’s size and strength will be under the microscope in Indianapolis, especially in the bench press and shuttle drills. He’s the kind of player who could boost his stock with a strong showing in interviews and positional work - especially for teams looking to bolster their interior rotation with a high-motor, high-character guy.
Brandon Cisse: The Rising Star at Corner
Cisse is generating real buzz heading into the Combine, and it’s not hard to see why. After transferring from N.C.
State, he made an immediate impact in Columbia, finishing the season with 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and an interception. He also forced a fumble in his standout performance against Vanderbilt - a game that showcased his physicality and ball skills.
His stock has been climbing since the Senior Bowl, with some mock drafts projecting him as a potential mid-first-round pick. ESPN’s Matt Miller recently slotted him at No. 15 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - a sign that evaluators are seeing first-round traits in his game.
At the Combine, Cisse’s 40 time, vertical leap, and change-of-direction drills will be crucial. NFL teams love corners who can run, mirror, and make plays on the ball - and Cisse has a chance to check all three boxes in Indy.
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine runs from February 23 to March 2 in Indianapolis, with coverage on NFL Network. For these four Gamecocks, it’s more than just a week of testing - it’s a shot to prove they belong at the next level. And if they perform the way they’ve played, don’t be surprised if we hear their names called early come April.