By last year’s standards, Dylan Stewart’s 2025 campaign counted as a “down year,” though it was still far from disappointing. Stewart actually improved his tackle total and matched his forced fumbles from the previous season, but his sack production dipped from 6.5 as a freshman to 4.5 in 11 games. Part of that regression came from constant double-teams — something that helped Bryan Thomas Jr. emerge as the team’s sack leader with seven. Stewart was also battling through what Shane Beamer described as “basically a broken back” late in the season.
With Thomas now out of eligibility, Stewart remains the focal point of every opponent’s blocking scheme heading into next year. But South Carolina may have landed the perfect complement off the edge.
On day two of National Signing Day, the Gamecocks pulled off a major flip, securing Dutch Fork (SC) four-star EDGE Julian Walker, who had previously been committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-6, 255-pound pass rusher is confident about what he and Stewart can become together.
“I believe that we’ll see that Dylan Stewart–Julian Walker duo soon,” Walker said. “We can do something scary, honestly. I believe that can be a scary duo that can come upon college football.”
Walker won’t suit up until next season, but he and Stewart have already built a strong relationship. According to Ethan McDowell of The Wolverine, Stewart had been in steady communication with Walker in recent weeks, even spending time with him during his November visit to Columbia.
“Dylan and them, they’re like my brothers,” Walker said. “I talk to them. We have a really good relationship.”
There’s still one major unknown: Stewart’s future. He hasn’t committed to returning, and with one more year before he becomes draft-eligible for 2027, he could enter the transfer portal. Although the portal doesn’t officially open until Jan. 2, several players have already revealed plans to move. Stewart hasn’t — and Shane Beamer believes that’s a good sign.
“They’re extremely excited about what this team could be in 2026, and they’re a big part of that. There’s no question,” Beamer said Wednesday. “I know there’s no sense of, ‘I’m not really sure South Carolina’s where I want to be.’ It’s them making the best decisions for them and their families and their futures.”
If Stewart does stay, the potential Stewart-Walker tandem could be one of the most intriguing edge duos in the SEC.
“I feel like they’re bringing in a player who can do multiple things,” Walker said of what he’ll add. “I could play inside, play outside. You’re going to get somebody who’s going to set an example. I’m coming in there, ready to work, no distractions. I’m ready to rebuild, I’m ready to put my head down and work.”
