Dylan Stewart is returning to South Carolina for his junior season in 2026, giving a major boost to the Gamecocks’ defense.
The standout EDGE rusher, an All-SEC linebacker, announced his decision on Instagram and has signed a new NIL/revenue-sharing deal with the school. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Stewart is expected to be one of the highest-paid players in college football next season.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound defender has been a disruptive force since arriving in Columbia, recording 56 tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles in 24 career games, along with 88 quarterback pressures over two seasons. A former five-star recruit, Stewart was nationally ranked among the top prospects in the 2024 class by Rivals and ESPN.
His return follows quarterback LaNorris Sellers’ announcement that he will also play in 2026, giving South Carolina continuity at two key positions despite last season’s 4–8 finish.
Even after speculation about leaving and the departure of his position coach to LSU under Lane Kiffin, Stewart is set to finish his college career with the Gamecocks and is widely considered a projected top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.