Gamecock Digest

South Carolina Gamecocks Defensive Lineman Declares for the 2026 NFL Draft

After five years with the Gamecocks, veteran defensive lineman Nick Barrett has announced he is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Alex Joyce|
Oct 19, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle Nick Barrett (93) reacts after a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle Nick Barrett (93) reacts after a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

South Carolina will be without one of their veteran leaders on defense next season as fifth-year senior Nick Barrett announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft earlier this week.

Barrett appeared in 51 games, making 13 starts, in his five seasons wearing the garnet and black. His play on the field and in practice drew high praise from his teammates who chose him as a Rex Enright permanent team captain, a co-Steve Wadiak Team MVP Award winner and a co-Most Outstanding Senior Award recipient.

Starting all 12 games at the defensive tackle spot in 2025, Barrett led the Gamecocks defensive lineman with 42 tackles, adding six tackles for loss, and two sacks - the first two in his career. His highlight play of the year came on the road in College Station where he scooped up a Marcel Reed fumble and took it 17 yards to the house.

Chasing NFL Dreams

In a post declaring his intentions of entering the draft, Barrett took the time to thank God, his family and friends, teammates and coaches, and of course Gamecock nation. He said he is grateful for the support South Carolina fans has shown him during his time in Columbia.

It's still early in the draft projections and rankings news, but ESPN put out an article last week which listed draft analyst Mel Kiper's top prospects at each position. Kiper ranked Barrett just outside his top ten defensive tackles for the draft. Barrett was listed next to Indiana's Tyrique Tucker, Virginia Tech's Kemari Copeland, Ole Miss' Zxavian Harris, and Illinois' James Thompson Jr.

While he may not have popped on the stat sheet, replacing a veteran leader along the defensive line could prove tough this offense for Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White. Losing Barrett and Monkell Goodwine (eligibility/draft) leaves a big hole along the interior of the defensive line. The Gamecocks may have to supplement those losses with young players and portal additions once the window opens on Jan. 2.

Join the community:

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to follow us on X at @GamecocksDigest and on Facebook!

You Might Also Like:

Published
Alex Joyce
ALEX JOYCE

Alex Joyce is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism. Alex began his career in television as a news and sports reporter. During his career, Alex has been able to cover everything from breaking news to the game’s brightest moments. His passion for journalism drives him to deliver compelling stories and to connect with his audiences.

Share on XFollow AlexJoyceSI