Former South Carolina Gamecock Star Earns National Recognition as One of NFL’s Top 10 Players at His Position in 2025
The University of South Carolina continues to cement its growing reputation as a program capable of producing NFL-ready talent. One shining example of that progress is former Gamecocks cornerback Jaycee Horn, who was recently named among the top 10 NFL players at his position by multiple national media outlets. It’s a moment of pride for both Horn and the South Carolina program, reinforcing the message that elite prospects can develop in Columbia and rise to the top ranks of professional football.
Horn’s journey from promising college recruit to NFL standout is a testament to his work ethic, talent, and toughness. And now, just a few years removed from his college days, he’s being talked about in the same breath as elite corners like Patrick Surtain II, Jalen Ramsey, and Sauce Gardner. His rise has been anything but easy, but the payoff has been significant—not just for him, but for South Carolina’s reputation on the national stage.
Jaycee Horn, the son of former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn, came to South Carolina as a highly touted recruit in the 2018 class. He quickly established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the SEC with his physical play style, elite coverage skills, and competitive fire. Even as the Gamecocks struggled through inconsistent seasons, Horn’s individual talent stood out to scouts and analysts alike.
By the time he declared for the NFL Draft in 2021, Horn had developed a reputation as one of the most complete cornerbacks in the country. That led to his selection by the Carolina Panthers with the No. 8 overall pick—making him the first defensive player taken in that year’s draft and the highest-drafted defensive back in Gamecocks history.
Horn’s rookie season showed flashes of greatness, though it was cut short by a foot injury. But over the next two years, he proved that when healthy, he was not just a solid starter—he was one of the league’s elite.
Now entering his fourth NFL season, Horn’s name has appeared on nearly every major “Top 10 Cornerbacks” list published this summer by respected outlets like ESPN, Pro Football Focus (PFF), NFL Network, and The Athletic.
So what has propelled Horn into the upper echelon of NFL cornerbacks?
First and foremost, it’s his physicality and technique. Horn plays with a rare combination of size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds), speed, and agility. He excels in press-man coverage, using his long arms and explosive footwork to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. Few corners in the league can match his ability to stay glued to a receiver without drawing penalties—a trait that makes defensive coordinators salivate.
Pro Football Focus has routinely praised Horn’s ability to limit big plays. According to PFF, he allowed one of the lowest passer ratings when targeted in single coverage last season, and ranked near the top in forced incompletions per target. Analysts noted that Horn consistently matched up with each opponent’s top receiver—and often won those battles.
Then there’s the film. On tape, Horn’s instincts and awareness stand out. He doesn’t just rely on athleticism; he diagnoses route concepts, anticipates throws, and reacts with split-second timing. When the ball is in the air, he competes like it’s his—often leading to crucial pass breakups or game-changing interceptions.
His tackling ability is also a strength. Unlike some modern corners who shy away from physicality, Horn embraces contact. He comes downhill to support the run and doesn’t hesitate to deliver a hit in open space. That complete skill set is why he’s now being mentioned alongside perennial Pro Bowlers.
Horn’s breakout 2024 season caught the attention of analysts and fellow players alike. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler conducted his annual NFL player poll, surveying executives, coaches, and scouts across the league to rank the top 10 cornerbacks. Horn landed at No. 7 on the list—a massive leap from being unranked the previous year.
“He’s one of the most physical corners in the league, and he’s only getting better,” one anonymous AFC defensive coordinator told Fowler. “He sets the tone on defense.”
NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks echoed the sentiment, ranking Horn as his No. 6 corner and highlighting his confidence and ability to neutralize elite receivers. “He plays with a swagger and toughness you can’t coach. Horn is a guy you build a secondary around,” Brooks said.
Even veteran stars have noticed. During a recent podcast, All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson mentioned Horn as one of the toughest corners he faced all season. “He’s strong, smart, and he doesn’t give up anything easy,” Jefferson said. “You’ve got to earn every yard against him.”
Now healthy and entering the prime of his career, Horn is expected to be a foundational piece for the Carolina Panthers as they aim to turn things around. With a revamped coaching staff and a young quarterback looking to make a leap, the defense will be expected to carry the load—and Horn is ready to lead.
There’s even growing talk that Horn could earn his first Pro Bowl selection this season and potentially challenge for an All-Pro spot if he continues to ascend. If that happens, it will be yet another feather in the cap for South Carolina, which has quietly developed a track record of sending defensive backs to the NFL and helping them thrive.
Horn’s success isn’t just good for the Panthers—it’s a huge boost for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks. In today’s college football landscape, showing that your program produces NFL talent is one of the most powerful recruiting tools available. Every time Horn’s name appears on a top-10 list or highlights reel, it reinforces the message to recruits: Come to Columbia, and you’ll be developed like a pro.
Already, Beamer and his staff have cited Horn’s development as a blueprint when talking to young defensive backs. “We point to Jaycee all the time,” said defensive backs coach Torrian Gray. “He came in with the right mindset, worked every day, and left here as a top-10 pick. That’s the path we’re building here.”
That message has begun to resonate on the recruiting trail. South Carolina has landed several high-profile DB prospects in recent cycles, and Horn’s continued success at the NFL level gives those players added confidence in their decisions.
While Horn is the headliner, he’s not the only former South Carolina player thriving in the NFL. Javon Kinlaw, Ernest Jones, Deebo Samuel (who spent time at South Carolina before finishing elsewhere), and Israel Mukuamu have also made names for themselves in recent years. The success of those players reflects a program that is quietly building momentum—and producing pros on both sides of the ball.
Horn’s individual recognition may be the latest highlight, but it’s part of a broader narrative: South Carolina football is climbing, and the NFL is noticing.
Beyond the stats and accolades, Jaycee Horn represents the kind of leader and competitor that every college coach dreams of producing. He’s passionate, focused, and relentless in his pursuit of excellence. And even as his star continues to rise in the NFL, Horn remains connected to his roots in Columbia.
He’s returned to campus multiple times in recent years, attending spring practices and speaking to the current team. His message is always the same: Put in the work, and everything else will come.
That kind of presence means a lot to a young team trying to establish itself. For current Gamecocks players, Horn is proof that greatness is achievable—and that the path to NFL stardom runs right through Williams-Brice Stadium.
Jaycee Horn’s rise to the top 10 of NFL cornerback rankings is a major milestone—not just for him, but for the South Carolina football program as a whole. It validates the work of the coaching staff, enhances the school’s recruiting efforts, and gives Gamecock fans a proud representative to cheer for on Sundays.
As the 2025 NFL season gets underway, all eyes will be on Horn to see if he can elevate his game even further. Based on everything he’s shown so far, betting against him seems like a mistake.
From Columbia to Charlotte, and now among the NFL’s elite, Jaycee Horn is proving that South Carolina produces stars—and his best football may still be ahead of him.
