Jalon Kilgore is heading to Mobile.
The versatile defensive back out of South Carolina has officially accepted an invitation to the 2026 Senior Bowl, becoming the third Gamecock to earn a spot in this year’s all-star showcase. He joins running back Rahsul Faison and defensive tackle Nick Barrett, giving South Carolina a solid trio of representatives in one of the most important pre-draft evaluation events on the calendar.
Kilgore’s inclusion is notable not just for his on-field production, but also because he’s technically a junior. He’s eligible to participate thanks to graduating earlier this month-an increasingly common route for underclassmen looking to boost their draft stock with a strong showing in front of NFL scouts.
And make no mistake: Kilgore has the résumé to back it up.
Over three seasons in Columbia, Kilgore became a mainstay in the Gamecocks’ secondary. He appeared in 36 games and started 33, primarily playing nickel but also showing the flexibility to shift to safety when needed. That positional versatility is one of his biggest calling cards, and it’s something NFL teams will be watching closely in Mobile.
This past season, Kilgore recorded 54 total tackles and 10 pass breakups-steady numbers that reflect his ability to impact both the run and pass game. But his breakout campaign came in 2024, when he tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions.
That year, he was named second-team All-SEC by College Football Nation and third-team by Phil Steele. He also added 48 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and three quarterback hurries, showing off a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond just ball-hawking.
Kilgore’s knack for timely plays was a theme throughout his career. In 2024 alone, he sealed wins over Old Dominion and Missouri with clutch, late-game interceptions.
He also picked off passes against Kentucky, Alabama and Illinois, proving he could rise to the moment regardless of the opponent. Add in a 28-yard punt return against Akron and you start to see the kind of multi-phase impact he can bring.
His freshman year was just as eye-opening. Thrust into action early when a teammate went down in the season opener, Kilgore responded with 12 tackles against North Carolina.
That was just the beginning. He started the final 11 games of the season, led all Gamecock freshmen with 76 tackles, and earned Freshman All-America honors from ESPN and 247Sports.
He also landed on the SEC All-Freshman team and was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Kilgore’s 2023 campaign included a monster 15-tackle performance against Tennessee, where he also notched his first career interception. A week later, he followed that up with 11 tackles against Florida. He was a consistent presence all season, notching at least two tackles in every game and contributing on special teams as the team’s top punt returner.
All told, Kilgore heads to the Senior Bowl with 124 career tackles, six interceptions, and a reputation as a high-IQ, high-effort defender who can match up with slot receivers, drop back into coverage, or come downhill in run support. He’s also earned SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll recognition in each of the last two seasons-another sign of the discipline and work ethic that’s helped him thrive.
Before arriving in Columbia, Kilgore starred at Putnam County High School in Eatonton, Georgia, where he played both ways and was named Region 4-AA Athlete of the Year as a junior. He racked up 88 tackles, eight pass breakups, and four forced fumbles on defense, while catching 34 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. He was also a standout in track and field, winning a state title in the long jump and posting strong times in the 100 and 400 meters.
Now, with his college career in the rearview mirror, Kilgore has a chance to showcase his full arsenal in front of NFL coaches and scouts at the Senior Bowl. He’s already proven he can handle the spotlight. Mobile is just the next step in what’s shaping up to be a promising pro journey.