South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard announced Friday via X that he is officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“From euro steps to edge rushes, I’ve always believed in making every play count — on and off the field,” Kennard wrote in the social media announcement. “With that being said, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Thank you, South Carolina, for an incredible experience!”
Kennard didn’t explicitly state whether he plans to play in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando against Illinois on Dec. 31. His decision to declare, however, suggests he’s going to prioritize preparing for the draft instead of playing in the bowl game.
The Georgia Tech senior transfer was out of eligibility after this season, so it was never in question whether or not he would return — just whether he’d play in the bowl game. He’d be the first USC player to announce that he isn’t playing in the bowl game, if he decides not to.
Kennard is projected as a Day 2 pick in the NFL Draft.
Kennard led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, placing himself in elite company. He nearly tied former Gamecock Jadeveon Clowney’s sack record (13) in his year with USC.
The 6-foot-5, 254-pound Kennard also had 15.5 tackles for loss (28 total), three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries this season.
His performance brought in a number of awards, including becoming the first-ever USC alum to win the Nagurski award — presented to the best defensive player in college football. He was also named the SEC defensive player of the year. He is the second USC alum to win SEC DPOY, joining Clowney.
