South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore has decided to forgo his senior season and has declared for the NFL Draft.
The former Putnam County standout announced his decision Dec. 11 via his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“These past four years at the University of South Carolina have been nothing short of a blessing,” Kilgore’s statement read. “This place has shaped me, challenged me, and helped me grow into the man and player I am today. I am forever grateful for every moment, every lesson, and every opportunity God has placed in my past.”
Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Kilgore chose the Gamecocks over Clemson, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Tennessee Tech, where his older brother, Gerald, played before transferring to South Carolina.
“South Carolina was one of the first schools to offer me,” Kilgore told The Eatonton Messenger in 2022 when he committed. “They were also one of the earliest schools to put their faith in me and my talents. They just didn’t fall off (in recruiting). South Carolina stuck with me through the whole process.”
Kilgore enjoyed a successful career with the Gamecocks, earning numerous accolades. The former War Eagle earned Freshman All-America and Freshman All-SEC honors in 2023.
As a sophomore, Kilgore was named second-team All-SEC by College Football Nation and third-team All-SEC by Phil Steele.
Kilgore earned second-team All-SEC honors following his junior campaign this season. He finished his third season in Columbia with 54 total tackles, two fumble recoveries and interceptions, and a career-high 12 pass deflections.
As a sophomore, Kilgore totaled 48 tackles, three tackles for loss, five pass deflections, and a career-high five interceptions. He had a career-best 78 tackles as a freshman, with an interception and six pass deflections.
Kilgore played both sides of the ball at Putnam County as a receiver and safety under head coach Shaun Pope.
“He’s a phenomenal young man; his character exceeds his playing ability on the field,” Pope said of Kilgore in 2022. “His playing ability, you can see that on film, with everybody that’s on him and the offers that he has, the way he’s being recruited.
“Obviously, he’s a phenomenal player, but he’s a better young man, his character in the classroom. On the field, he can do several different things. He plays on both sides of the ball for us and on just about every special team. He’s a return guy,” Pope continued.
“He’s got really good hands. He’s got several offers as a receiver as well, so he’s a very talented young man. His character and work ethic far exceed his ability on the field. That’s why he’s having the success he’s had. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Kilgore was named 2the 021 Region Athlete of the Year as a junior with the War Eagles. He caught 34 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense, while also totaling 88 tackles, eight pass breakups, and four forced fumbles.
Kilgore was also a state champion long jumper as a sophomore, while playing baseball for Putnam County as well.
According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Kilgore is listed as the No. 9 safety in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Kilgore told ESPN’s Pete Thamel that he feels like he’s put himself “in the best position” to succeed in the NFL.
“I’ve been taught and coached by NFL coaches,” the 2023 Putnam County graduate said to Thamel. “I feel like this is the best decision for me and my family. I’ll bring a mindset to dominate and be a dominant competitor.”