Brandon Cisse’s time in Columbia was brief, but it might just be enough to launch him into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. After transferring from NC State and spending just one season with South Carolina, the 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback is turning heads - and not just with fans. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Cisse projected as the No. 32 overall pick in his first mock draft of the year, slating him to the Seattle Seahawks.
Let’s break down why Cisse’s name is rising up draft boards.
A One-Year Impact at South Carolina
Cisse’s stat line with the Gamecocks doesn’t leap off the page - 27 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and one interception - but the numbers only tell part of the story. His best outing came against Vanderbilt, where he recorded five tackles and forced a fumble, showcasing his physicality and ability to make plays in space.
While the interception total might seem modest, Cisse’s 12 pass breakups over the past two seasons (including his time at NC State) speak to his instincts and ball skills. He’s not just sticking with receivers - he’s actively disrupting passing lanes.
Why Seattle Could Be a Fit
In Kiper’s mock, the Seahawks are picking at No. 32 - a spot usually reserved for Super Bowl champions - and they’re not exactly desperate for help at most positions. But cornerback is one area where Seattle could look to add depth, especially with uncertainty surrounding Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe heading into free agency. Devon Witherspoon is locked in as a cornerstone piece of that secondary, but plugging in a young, athletic DB like Cisse on the opposite side could solidify the unit.
Cisse’s profile fits what Seattle has traditionally valued in its corners: anticipation, speed, and the ability to play downhill. He may not have gaudy takeaway numbers, but his ability to read quarterbacks and break on the ball makes him a potential difference-maker in a Mike Macdonald-led defense.
A Recent First-Round Trend for South Carolina
If Cisse does go in the first round, he’d be the second Gamecock in three years to hear his name called on Day 1. Wide receiver Xavier Legette went 32nd overall to the Carolina Panthers in 2024, and last year’s draft saw five South Carolina players selected overall. Safety Nick Emmanwori was the highest pick among them, going to the Seahawks in the second round at No. 35 - another testament to the program’s recent defensive talent.
This year, Cisse is one of two South Carolina defensive backs to declare for the draft, joining Jalon Kilgore. With the NFL Combine set for February 23 to March 2, and the draft taking place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Cisse will have plenty of opportunities to solidify his stock. His measurables, interviews, and on-field drills will all be under the microscope, but if he continues to show the same blend of athleticism and awareness he did this past season, he could very well hear his name called on opening night.
For a player who made the most of a single season in the SEC, Brandon Cisse is proving that it doesn’t take long to make a lasting impression.