Former Gamecocks deliver across NFL roles in 2026

South Carolina’s 2026 NFL tracker details contributions from former Gamecocks across offense, defense and special teams through Week 8. The list covers players who held an NFL roster or practice-squad spot during the season.

Denver tight end Nate Adkins scored three receiving touchdowns over the first eight weeks, including scores against Jacksonville, the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City. Against Cleveland in Week 8, Pittsburgh running back Rico Dowdle produced 56 rushing yards and a touchdown after totaling 86 yards from scrimmage against New Orleans one week earlier.

Deebo Samuel’s listed start included receiving touchdowns against the Los Angeles Rams and Denver, plus an 80-yard touchdown against Arizona. Nick Muse added a touchdown reception for Atlanta in Week 7, while Jalen Brooks recorded catches in three consecutive games for Arizona from Week 5 through Week 7.

Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones reached at least eight tackles in each of his first eight listed games, recording sacks in Weeks 4, 5 and 6 and a 20-yard interception in Week 4.

Green Bay defensive back Brandon Cisse recorded a sack against Chicago and an interception against Dallas in consecutive weeks. Cincinnati linebacker Demetrius Knight scored on a 27-yard fumble recovery in Week 1. His later contributions included an interception in Week 7 and a forced safety in Week 8.

D.J. Wonnum had two-sack games against the New York Jets and Arizona, with another sack against Carolina between them. Nick Emmanwori recorded sacks in Weeks 4 and 6. For Kingsley Enagbare, the season opened with sacks in consecutive games and a forced fumble in Week 2.

Houston punter Kai Kroeger recorded a career-high 67-yard punt against Indianapolis in Week 3. The tracker also lists Nick Gargiulo, Jovaughn Gwyn, Jaycee Horn, Xavier Legette and Raheim Sanders on injured reserve, with Kyle Kennard, Gage Larvadain, Vershon Lee, Zacch Pickens and Darius Rush on practice squads.

Why it matters

Former Gamecocks contributed at every major position group through the first eight listed weeks. The production ranged from touchdowns and takeaways to pass-rush pressure and punting.