The Chargers continued to add to the defense on Saturday, selecting edge rusher Kyle Kennard in the fourth round (No. 125 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Get all of your Bolts draft news at the Chargers 2025 Draft Hub.
Here are five things to know about the South Carolina edge rusher:
1. Stellar 2024 season
Kennard capped off his college career with one of the best defensive seasons in South Carolina's history.
The edge rusher shined for the Gamecocks, logging 28 tackles including 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in 2024.
His tackle for loss number was the fourth-most in program history for a season, while his sack total was second-highest. Both led the SEC last season.
Kennard also forced three fumbles and recovered two, becoming a game wrecker in his lone season with South Carolina.
2. Racking up accolades
It's safe to say the accolades piled up quickly for Kennard after his last season.
Kennard earned First-Team All-American accolades by multiple outlets and won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the conference in multiple categories.
He became the first South Carolina player to win the award since Jadeveon Clowney won it in 2012, as he also earned First-Team All-SEC honors.
Kennard also won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy following his season, awarded to the top defensive player in college football.
Take a look through some photos of the Chargers selection at No.125 in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Edge Kyle Kennard from the University of South Carolina.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) looks to throw the ball past South Carolina linebacker Kyle Kennard (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
South Carolina edge Kyle Kennard (5) celebrates the team's win against Vanderbilt after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
South Carolina edge Kyle Kennard (5) plays against Vanderbilt during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
South Carolina edge Kyle Kennard (5) plays against Vanderbilt during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard speaks at the podium during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
3. Time with Yellow Jackets
Before wrecking games at South Carolina, Kennard built himself up in college football with Georgia Tech.
He spent four years with the Yellow Jackets, playing in 42 games and contributing from the moment he joined the program.
The edge rusher was productive as well, having his best season in 2023 when he led the Yellow Jackets with 11.0 tackles for loss and with 6.0 sacks.
4. Career stats
In total, Kennard joins the Chargers with plenty of game experience in college.
He played in 54 games over his five seasons, finishing with 143 tackles (64 solo) and 24.0 sacks. He also added 39 tackles for loss and was seemingly always around the football, adding five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
5. Georgia standout
Kennard made a name for himself on the Georgia prep scene.
He attended Riverwood International Charter School and dominated with 40 tackles for loss in his final two years, helping lead the school to a 2019 regional championship as a defensive lineman and defensive tackle.
