Projected first-round pick South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse is declaring early for the 2026 NFL Draft, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

“I’m excited to fulfill my lifelong dream,” Cisse said (via Thamel). “It’s definitely been a special feeling. It’s something I prayed for my whole life.” 

Cisse, 20, is a true junior and former three-star recruit who originally committed to North Carolina State. He lined up in dime packages as a freshman and took on a bigger role in 2023, leading to a transfer to South Carolina earlier this year.

The six-foot, 190-pound corner started every game for the Gamecocks this year and recorded 19 tackles, one interception, and five passes defended. Cisse’s production is not particularly exciting, but his age, athleticism, and coverage skills are. He has allowed catches on only 34.6% of his targets this season, per ESPN’s Jordan Reid, as part of a breakout season that has seen him shoot up big boards.

Many early draft rankings – including those from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Pro Football Focus, and ESPN’s Matt Miller – have him pegged as a first-round pick and one of the top cornerbacks available. Cisse’s youth gives him tremendous upside, so he could be viewed similarly to Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins, who was taken 29th overall in the 2024 draft.