Dylan Stewart announced Tuesday that he will return to South Carolina for his junior season in 2026. The news from the star EDGE is huge for the program’s defense for another year.
Stewart, an All-SEC linebacker, has signed a new revenue-sharing/NIL agreement with the school and made the decision public via Instagram.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel that Stewart is expected to be among the nation’s highest-paid players entering next season.
Per ESPN sources, Stewart is expected to be to among the country’s highest paid players. He’s signed his deal with the Gamecocks to return. Https://t.co/NGghxbmB2s
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 23, 2025
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound defender has been a disruptive force since arriving in Columbia, recording 56 tackles, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in 24 career games. He has also generated 88 total quarterback pressures across his two seasons. A former five-star recruit, Stewart was ranked among the top prospects nationally in the 2024 class by both Rivals and ESPN.
Stewart’s return comes after quarterback LaNorris Sellers also announced he would be back in 2026, giving South Carolina continuity at two positions despite a 4-8 finish last season.
Even amid persistent speculation and the departure of his position coach to LSU under Lane Kiffin, Stewart is set to finish his career with the Gamecocks. He is widely viewed as a projected top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
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