Kyle Kennard, South Carolina’s standout defensive player and recipient of the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy as college football’s top defender, has chosen to opt out of the Gamecocks’ Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game against Illinois, head coach Shane Beamer announced Wednesday.
Kennard, a 6-foot-5, 254-pound edge rusher, had a dominant season in his lone year at South Carolina after transferring from Georgia Tech. He led the SEC in both tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (11.5) while also forcing three fumbles. His impressive performance earned him recognition as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by both the Associated Press and SEC coaches.
Coach Beamer confirmed that Kennard is skipping the bowl game to focus on preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Kennard is ranked as the No. 6 outside linebacker in the draft, while Field Yates projects him as the No. 26 overall pick, potentially landing with the Green Bay Packers.
Kennard was a cornerstone of South Carolina’s formidable defensive line, which was widely regarded as one of the nation’s best. Alongside freshman Dylan Stewart, who tallied seven sacks, Kennard helped the Gamecocks accumulate 30 sacks this season, tying them for third place nationally. His leadership and impact on the field were instrumental in South Carolina’s success, making him a vital component of their defensive strategy.
Despite Kennard’s absence, the Gamecocks aim to secure their 10th win of the season when they face Illinois on December 31 in Orlando. Achieving double-digit wins would mark just the fifth time in program history that South Carolina has reached such a milestone. With a 9-3 record, the team looks to end the season on a high note, even without their star defender.
Kennard’s decision to prioritize his NFL future reflects the growing trend among top college players to forgo bowl games in preparation for the draft. While his presence will be missed in the Citrus Bowl, his remarkable contributions throughout the season have cemented his legacy at South Carolina and positioned him as a promising prospect for the professional level.
