Kyle Kennard made an immediate impact, as a fifth-year senior, at the University of South Carolina when he transferred from Georgia Tech, becoming the school’s first-ever Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner. He was a dominant force on defense, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and first-team All-America recognition from multiple outlets. Starting all 12 regular season games, he recorded 28 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks – leading the SEC in both categories while also forcing three fumbles and recovering two. He had a season-high seven tackles against Alabama, which included 3.0 tackles for loss and 2 sacks, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s top defenders.

Kyle Kennard’s remarkable performance throughout the 2024 season embodies the excellence the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy represents, cementing his legacy in Gamecock history. As he prepares for the next chapter of his football career, SCFHOF proudly recognizes his achievements and contributions to the sport here in South Carolina.

Mr. Kennard is represented by McRae Sports Group and was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, named after Heisman Trophy winners Felix “Doc” Blanchard and George Rogers, was established to honor the state of South Carolina’s most outstanding collegiate football player each season.

Photo courtesy of Gamecock Athletics