In a major victory for South Carolina football’s rebuilding efforts, star edge rusher Dylan Stewart announced Tuesday that he will return to the Gamecocks for his true junior season in 2026. The decision, backed by one of the most lucrative NIL agreements in college football, provides critical stability for a program looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-8 campaign.
A Game-Changing Financial Commitment
Stewart, an All-SEC linebacker, is expected to be among the country’s highest-paid players after signing his deal with South Carolina . The financial package reflects the modern reality of college football, where programs must compete not only for recruits but also to retain their star players.
The former five-star recruit and rising SEC pass rusher chose continuity over the transfer portal, agreeing to an NIL deal that places him among the highest compensated non-quarterbacks in college football . According to sources, the combined deals for Sellers and Stewart will approach five million dollars, underscoring the Gamecocks’ commitment to building around their cornerstones.
Stewart has signed a new rev share/NIL agreement with the school and announced his return on Instagram Tuesday, following closely on the heels of quarterback LaNorris Sellers’ decision to return for the 2026 season.
Elite Production and NFL Potential
Stewart’s decision to return carries significant weight given his trajectory as one of the nation’s premier defensive players. In his two seasons with South Carolina, Stewart has played in 24 career games, starting 22, with 56 total tackles, including 22.5 tackles-for-loss and 11 sacks.
The Washington, D.C. native’s impact extends beyond traditional statistics. PFF credits the 6-foot-5, 250-pounder with 88 total quarterback pressures during his two seasons in Columbia , demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses even when not recording sacks.
His freshman campaign set the tone for his career trajectory. As a true freshman, Stewart played in South Carolina’s 13 games of the 2024 season, starting 11 times. He logged 23 total tackles, including 17 solo stops and 10.5 TFLs with 6.5 sacks . This past season, Stewart played in 11 games, all starts, increasing his total tackles to 33 and TFLs to 12, posting 4.5 sacks.
Perhaps most impressively, Shane Beamer praised Stewart for gutting it out while playing with what the Gamecocks coach described as a “broken back” earlier this month—a testament to his toughness and dedication.
Elite Pedigree and Draft Projection
Stewart was the No. 24 overall prospect in the 2024 class out of Washington, D.C., according to the ESPN 300 . A former five-star recruit, Stewart was ranked among the top prospects nationally in the 2024 class by both Rivals and ESPN.
Stewart, a gamewrecker off the edge from the moment he arrived in town, is a projected Top 10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. His decision to return for another season provides an opportunity to further refine his skills and solidify his status as one of the draft’s premier prospects.
Overcoming Uncertainty and Transfer Speculation
Stewart’s announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future. Despite the consistent rumors manufactured by other fanbases and LSU coach Lane Kiffin hiring away his position coach, All-SEC EDGE Dylan Stewart is set to finish his career with South Carolina with another year in the Garnet and Black .
The transfer portal and NIL era have created unprecedented player movement, making retention victories like Stewart’s return crucial for program stability. In the portal and NIL era, it’s far from guaranteed that any player returns to the same school for the next season. That’s especially true when a player’s position coach is hired away .
Impact on Program Trajectory
The decision carries weight beyond finances. South Carolina finished the 2025 season at 4-8 and faced mounting pressure after offensive coordinator Mike Shula was dismissed midseason . Stewart’s return provides defensive continuity while new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles installs his offensive system ahead of 2026 .
Sellers’ return ensures continuity at quarterback, allowing the offense to prioritize development rather than replacement this spring. Stewart’s presence anchors the defense, preserving the ceiling of a unit that showed flashes despite SEC struggles .
The dual announcements from Sellers and Stewart represent a critical turning point for head coach Shane Beamer, who compiled a 33-30 record over his first five seasons. Together, the announcements shift the program’s outlook, positioning South Carolina football with renewed stability and momentum heading into a critical 2026 buildup .
Defensive Anchor for 2026
With Stewart set to return in 2026, the Gamecocks’ defense will have arguably one of the best defenders in the SEC next season and will have a much better shot at reaching the College Football Playoff next year . His ability to pressure quarterbacks and create havoc in opposing backfields makes him the centerpiece around which South Carolina can build its defensive identity.
Stewart’s decision may prove even more significant on the defensive side. As the team’s most disruptive edge presence, his return preserves the ceiling of a unit that struggled for consistency during SEC play but flashed high-end potential .
Looking Ahead
The Gamecocks will look to bounce back in 2026 and reach their first-ever College Football Playoff. The team is coming off a disappointing 4-8 season that saw losses to Missouri, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and others.
With Stewart anchoring the defense and Sellers leading the offense, South Carolina enters the 2026 season with legitimate hope for a dramatic turnaround. The financial investment in retaining both players signals the program’s commitment to competing at the highest level of college football.
As Stewart prepares for what could be his final season in Columbia before entering the NFL Draft, expectations will be high. His combination of elite production, proven toughness, and disruptive ability makes him one of college football’s most valuable players—and now, one of its highest paid. For South Carolina, keeping him in the Garnet and Black represents not just a retention victory, but a statement of intent for the program’s future.
