Gamecocks Land N.C. State Transfer Brandon Cisse to Bolster Secondary
The University of South Carolina football team has added another key piece to its defense through the transfer portal. Just weeks after signing Ball State transfer Myles Norwood, the Gamecocks have secured a commitment from Brandon Cisse, a former N.C. State cornerback. The announcement was made Monday night, with South Carolina officially confirming the signing.
Cisse, a Sumter, South Carolina native who played at Lakewood High School, chose the Gamecocks over Ole Miss after taking visits to both schools. His decision likely stems from the opportunity to compete for a starting role with the departure of cornerback O’Donnell Fortune.
Cisse’s College Journey and Strengths
Cisse has appeared in 22 games over the past two seasons, recording 38 tackles and one interception during his time with N.C. State. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the Wolfpack’s highest-graded cornerback, excelling in both tackling and run defense—key attributes that make him a valuable addition to South Carolina’s secondary.
The former Lakewood standout brings versatility and proven performance to a Gamecocks defense looking to fill a key role in the secondary. With a starting cornerback spot up for grabs, Cisse’s decision to return home to South Carolina could be pivotal for his career and the team’s success.
South Carolina’s 2025 Transfer Class
Cisse is just the latest in a series of notable additions for the Gamecocks through the transfer portal, showcasing head coach Shane Beamer’s commitment to strengthening the roster. The full list of transfer portal additions for 2025 includes:
- QB: Air Noland (Ohio State)
- RB: Rahsul Faison (Utah State)
- OL: Nick Sharpe (Wake Forest), Rodney Newsom Jr. (Western Kentucky), Boaz Stanley (Troy)
- TE: Jordan Dingle (Kentucky)
- Edge: Jaylen Brown (Missouri)
- DT: Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (Texas A&M), Davonte Miles (Bowling Green)
- LB: Shawn Murphy (Florida State), Justin Okoronkwo (Alabama)
- CB: Myles Norwood (Ball State), Brandon Cisse (N.C. State)
The Road Ahead
With Cisse’s commitment, South Carolina continues to position itself as a competitive force in the SEC. His return to the Palmetto State not only strengthens the Gamecocks’ defensive depth but also provides a hometown connection that fans can rally behind. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, the addition of seasoned transfers like Cisse could prove instrumental in solidifying South Carolina’s defense and achieving their goals on the field.
