South Carolina’s defense endured a scare in its season opener when star edge rusher Dylan Stewart went down with a shoulder injury late in the first half against Virginia Tech in Week 1 of the 2025 college football season.
The play unfolded in the second quarter as Stewart beat his blocker and pressured Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones. After making contact, Stewart immediately clutched his right shoulder and required medical attention on the field. Though he eventually walked off under his own power, the injury appeared to slow him down.
Stewart missed the remainder of the half but was able to start in the second half. Still, the brief absence allowed Virginia Tech to regroup and capitalize, drilling a field goal before halftime.
Head coach Shane Beamer did not provide specifics right away, but the sight of Stewart testing and rotating his shoulder on the sideline drew concern. Despite returning, the sophomore did not have the same disruptive presence against the mobile Drones.
“It’s tough losing a guy like Dylan, even for a short time,” Beamer said postgame. “He’s a difference-maker for our defense.”
Stewart’s Role in 2025
South Carolina entered the season counting heavily on Stewart to anchor a rebuilt defensive line. He is the lone returning starter from the Gamecocks’ formidable 2024 front that featured Tonka Hemingway, TJ Sanders, and Kyle Kennard—all of whom declared for the NFL Draft.
Last year, Stewart finished second on the team with 6.5 sacks, establishing himself as one of the SEC’s brightest young pass rushers. With Kennard earning the Bronko Nagurski Award in 2024, Stewart was tabbed as the new tone-setter for a defense that expects him to take the next step.
While transfers and a strong secondary give the Gamecocks depth, Stewart remains the centerpiece of South Carolina’s pass rush. How his shoulder holds up moving forward could prove pivotal for the team’s defensive success this season.
