Dylan Stewart Set to Travel With South Carolina to Florida
South Carolina coach Shane Beamer confirmed on his radio show that suspended star Dylan Stewart will make the trip to Gainesville, as long as he keeps doing what he’s supposed to do. That is the clearest sign yet that Stewart’s discipline-related absence is ending.
What Beamer said
On his Carolina Calls radio show Thursday, Beamer said “Dylan will travel with us tomorrow to Gainesville,” with the condition that Stewart stays on track through Friday. Beamer said he is confident that will happen.
He also praised how Stewart has handled the past week. Beamer called it a rough week for everyone, but said Stewart took ownership and accountability, handled himself well with teammates, and practiced the way the staff wanted. The next step, Beamer said, is to keep bringing him along heading into Saturday.
Why he was suspended
Stewart’s Week 4 game against Alabama included multiple incidents:
- He punched an opponent.
- He pushed a teammate.
- He refused to come out when subbed.
- He had a sideline tantrum.
Beamer suspended him “indefinitely.” Soon after, the SEC imposed its own one-game suspension, separate from the school’s decision.
A cautious return
Beamer has been careful about the timeline since then. On Tuesday, he acknowledged Stewart was back practicing and attending all team meetings, but wouldn’t say he was cleared to play at Florida. Thursday’s comments go further by confirming travel, though he stopped short of a full green light.
One signal points toward a return. Stewart was not on the SEC-mandated availability report on Wednesday, which suggests he is at least cleared to play Saturday.
Stewart’s background
- Former five-star recruit from Washington, D.C.
- The highest-rated recruit to sign under Beamer
- In 26 games: 57 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, six forced fumbles
His 2026 season has been quiet:
- He missed the first two games with a back injury dating to the end of last season.
- He recorded one tackle across the Alabama and Mississippi State games on 43 snaps.
- In 2025 he played 40 to 55 snaps per game.
Injury concerns on the roster
Even with Stewart set to travel, South Carolina has depth problems. Several players are listed as “doubtful” for Saturday, including four who have started this season:
- OL Carter Miller
- Edge Julian Walker
- DT Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy
- A fourth player listed as an edge rusher with a similar name
A note on the article: the original appears to list the same edge rusher twice with two different spellings (“Julian” and “Julain” Walker), so the count of four players may be a typo. I’d treat it as three confirmed names until the team’s official report clarifies.
Why it matters
- The defense needs help. With several starters doubtful, Stewart’s return, even at limited production, matters more.
- The accountability message is the focus. Beamer is emphasizing how Stewart handled the aftermath, not just his talent.
- The conditional wording is deliberate. “Assuming he continues to do what he’s supposed to do” keeps leverage over Stewart through game day.
- Production is the open question. After a back injury and a thin stat line this season, it’s unclear how effective he’ll be on return.
What to watch
- The final availability report before kickoff.
- How many snaps Stewart plays if he suits up.
- Which of the doubtful starters sit, and who replaces them.
Kickoff: Saturday at 12:45 p.m. ET on the SEC Network, at No. 15 Florida.
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