Dylan Stewart announced Tuesday that he’s returning to South Carolina for his junior season in 2026. The star EDGE defender’s decision gives the Gamecocks’ defense a major boost for another year.
Stewart signed a new revenue-sharing deal with the school and made his announcement on Instagram.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, 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.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound defender has been a disruptive force since arriving in Columbia. He’s recorded 56 tackles, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in 24 career games.
Stewart 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’d be back in 2026. That gives South Carolina continuity at two key positions despite a 4-8 finish last season.
Even with 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’s widely viewed as a projected top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
