South Carolina fell well short of expectations in 2025, going 4-8 and winning just one SEC game. A bright spot in an otherwise dismal season was transfer cornerback Brandon Cisse. Cisse emerged as one of the best lockdown corners in all of college football. South Carolina has produced standout defensive backs in recent years, with Jaycee Horn and Nick Emmanwori. Cisse looks to be the next premier DB hailing from Columbia. His athletic traits are arguably the best in this class, giving him tremendous upside. The physical tools are all there, but is Cisse a first-round caliber prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft?
2026 NFL Draft: Brandon Cisse Scouting Report
Measurables
Height- 6-foot
Weight- 196 pounds
Background
Cisse was a three-star recruit coming out of Lakewood (South Carolina) and the 40th-ranked cornerback in the Class of 2023. He committed to NC State, where he played his first two seasons. Cisse appeared in all 13 games for the Wolfpack as a true freshman, playing predominantly at nickel. He had 10 tackles and an interception while allowing 11 receptions on 18 targets in 2023. Cisse played more on the boundary in 2024 and saw an increase in production. In nine games, he had 28 tackles and five pass breakups while allowing 14 catches on 27 targets.
After two seasons in Raleigh, Cisse entered the transfer portal as the ninth-ranked cornerback in the 2025 portal class. He returned to the Palmetto State and joined South Carolina. In one season with the Gamecocks, Cisse broke out as a premier cornerback. He started all 12 games as a junior, racking up 28 tackles, five pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble. Opposing quarterbacks struggled throwing Cisse’s way, as he allowed just 18 receptions on 38 targets in 2025.
Strengths
Cisse possesses elite top-end speed, a trait that can’t be taught with corners. His speed allows him to stick with wide receivers vertically. He also demonstrates excellent movement skills, sticking with receivers in man coverage. Cisse is a great against the run, posting a 89.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2025. He is a versatile player, having experience on the boundary, at nickel, and in the box. Cisse plays with tenacity, being a physical presence when lined up in press coverage. He also displays good instincts in zone coverage.
Weaknesses
While Cisse has shown he can shed blocks and get to running backs, he has struggled with tackling. He posted a 14.3% PFF missed-tackle rate in 2025. His frame is another area of concern, measuring at 196 pounds. Although Cisse plays physically, his smaller frame can lead to size mismatches against bigger NFL wide receivers. His ball skills are also a question mark, with just 10 pass breakups and two interceptions over 3 seasons.
Overview
The 2026 NFL Draft has several premier prospects at the cornerback position. Cisse has elevated his stock and entered first-round discussions. The combination of speed and athleticism makes him a prospect with elite upside at the next level. He’s only 20 years old at a position where it’s hard to stay elite for long. If he can improve as a tackler and have more production playing the ball, he can develop into a premier corner at the next level. Cisse is currently projected as a late first-round pick and would be an excellent addition for the Rams or Seahawks.
