Buckle up, college football fans – in a move that's sure to ignite passionate debates across the gridiron, star player Dylan Stewart is officially sticking with the South Carolina Gamecocks, defying all the chatter and drama swirling around his future. But here's where it gets controversial: with whispers of greener pastures elsewhere, is this decision a bold stand of loyalty, or could it be a missed opportunity for bigger things? Let's dive into the details and uncover what this means for the Garnet and Black – and why it might just be the plot twist most fans didn't see coming.
Despite the relentless buzz generated by rival fan bases and the unexpected shift when LSU's Lane Kiffin poached one of South Carolina's assistant coaches, Dylan Stewart – the All-SEC EDGE sensation (that's an outside linebacker who wreaks havoc on offensive plays by rushing the quarterback) – is committed to wrapping up his collegiate journey right where it started, adding another chapter in Columbia wearing those iconic black and garnet colors.
The Washington, D.C., native made his call official on Tuesday via an Instagram post, after inking a fresh name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal combined with revenue-sharing perks from the university. For those new to the game, NIL agreements allow college athletes to earn money from endorsements and personal branding, which has revolutionized how players approach their college careers – think of it as a way to monetize their star power beyond just playing on the field.
From the moment Stewart arrived on campus, he's been a force to be reckoned with, shutting down opposing offenses with his relentless edge-rushing style. Scouts are high on him too; he's pegged as a potential Top 10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, which could mean multimillion-dollar contracts in the pros. And this is the part most people miss: staying put might give him even more time to hone his skills and boost his draft stock, turning what could have been a risky transfer into a strategic masterstroke.
To stay in the loop with all the latest on South Carolina's transfer portal happenings, check out these handy resources:
- South Carolina Portal Headquarters (Where all the fresh news comes together in one spot!) (https://www.on3.com/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks/news/south-carolina-gamecocks-football-ncaa-transfer-portal-headquarters-the-latest-2025-2026-gamecock-central/)
- Portal Tracker (Keeping tabs on who’s joining and who’s leaving) (https://www.on3.com/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks/news/south-carolina-gamecocks-football-2025-2026-transfer-portal-tracker-gamecockcentral/)
- Get portal updates straight to your phone with the App (https://www.on3.com/apps/on3/)
- On3 National Portal Ticker (The big picture on transfers nationwide) (https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/wire/football/?gclid=CjwKCAiAvJarBhA1EiwAGgZl0I7hYDKdNdJZ4vBZDJXZJwLfupo2rb-I4ji-Bdsu4rR8sVfYK9xoC-Z8QAvDBwE)
- Join GamecockCentral for just $1! (https://www.on3.com/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks/join/)
Over his two seasons at South Carolina, Stewart has stepped onto the field for 24 games in total, starting in 22 of them. He's racked up an impressive 56 tackles, including a whopping 22.5 tackles for loss (that's when he stops the play behind the line of scrimmage, forcing the offense to rethink their strategy) and 11 sacks – basically, knocking down the quarterback for a loss. Plus, he's forced six fumbles, which are like turning points in the game where the ball pops loose and can be recovered. Pro Football Focus (PFF), a go-to stats guru in the football world, gives him credit for a staggering 88 quarterback pressures across those seasons in Columbia, highlighting how his presence disrupts opposing teams' rhythm.
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As a backdrop, Stewart's roots trace back to being a highly touted five-star recruit according to Rivals rankings – that's the top tier of high school talent, meaning scouts saw him as elite from day one. He was ranked the No. 17 overall prospect and No. 3 at his EDGE position back in the 2024 recruiting class. On3, another respected recruiting service, had him as the No. 12 overall pick from the Friendship Collegiate school in Washington, D.C., where he also earned Under Armour All-American honors – a prestigious recognition for standout high school players.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of another key Gamecocks return: quarterback LaNorris Sellers (https://www.on3.com/rivals/lanorris-sellers-145821/), who’s also staying for the 2026 season. It's like a wave of commitment sweeping the program, potentially stabilizing the team's core.
The Insiders Forum: Jump into the conversation about South Carolina football (https://gcon3.com/PxLAJ8)!
Now, here's a thought-provoking twist to chew on: In an era where players are jumping ship left and right for better opportunities, is Stewart's loyalty to South Carolina a refreshing show of team spirit, or is he potentially leaving money on the table by not exploring other options? Some might argue that staying builds character and a legacy, while others could counter that the NFL pipeline rewards the bold – what do you think? Does this decision make him a hero in Gamecock Nation, or is it a gamble that could haunt his draft prospects? Drop your take in the comments below – let's debate: agree or disagree, but share your perspective!
