South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart Named to Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List
South Carolina sophomore EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart has earned national recognition midway through the 2025 season. On Tuesday, the Lombardi Award Committee officially named the Gamecock standout to its midseason watch list — a nod reserved for some of college football’s top performers in the trenches.
The Lombardi Award is presented each year to the nation’s top player who lines up on the offensive or defensive line or at linebacker. This year’s midseason watch list features 65 elite players from across the country.
Through the first half of the season, Stewart has posted 27 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and nine tackles for loss, while also forcing two fumbles and delivering several highlight-worthy hits. His disruptive presence has made him one of the most feared defenders in the SEC.
Last season, fellow Gamecock EDGE Kyle Kennard was a finalist for the same award — showing that South Carolina’s defensive line tradition remains strong.
From South Carolina Athletics:
COLUMBIA, S.C. (October 14, 2025) – University of South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart has been added to the 2025 Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List, the Lombardi Award Committee announced today. The list features 65 of the nation’s premier linemen and linebackers.
The committee evaluated players based on their 2025 performances to date and their projected impact through the remainder of the season.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Stewart, a sophomore from Washington, D.C., currently ranks third on the team with 27 tackles—already surpassing his total from the entire 2024 season. He leads the Gamecocks in tackles for loss (9.0), which ties him for 10th nationally, and in sacks (3.5). Stewart has also tallied six quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles, further cementing his status as one of college football’s rising defensive stars.
In 2024, Stewart was named to the FWAA Freshman All-America Team, earning recognition after recording 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He was also a finalist for the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year Award and earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. Over his first 19 games as a Gamecock, Stewart has amassed 19.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks.
The Lombardi Award celebrates players who embody leadership, discipline, and excellence, with candidates drawn from all FBS programs and independent schools.
This year’s Lombardi Award ceremony will take place in Houston, Texas, on December 10, 2025. Voting for the 12 semifinalists runs from October 21–31, with semifinalists announced on November 4. The four finalists will be revealed on November 18, and the winner will be crowned on December 10.
