Dylan Stewart doesn't hold back on why he stayed with South Carolina

Dylan Stewart knew he would've been one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal and after the Gamecocks' disappointing campaign in 2025, most would've understood if he wanted to chase a championship elsewhere.

But he didn't. Instead, Stewart decided in December that he would stay. He didn't make a big deal about it. Whatever negotiations there were between him and South Carolina were kept relatively quiet. And his reasoning was the simplest one of all — he's happy where he is.

There was a lot of movement in and out of Columbia after the season. Top reserve Desmond Umeozulu left to go to Alabama. Top wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs left to go to Miami. And most importantly, as far as Stewart was concerned, his position coach Sterling Lucas left to join Lane Kiffin's staff at LSU. 

“(There) was a possible chance (of following Lucas to LSU),” Stewart said to Jordan Kaye during an interview with 'The State'. “But I thought about it. It’s (gonna be) my last year. I’ve got a place I can call home. No point in leaving, and I’m still going to do what I always dreamed of.”

Stewart has found his home at South Carolina

Not only is this decision one that made Shane Beamer, the Carolina staff and fans very happy, but it also showed Stewart's maturity. He knew that things were going to change with the Gamecocks' roster after last season, and he had every reason to move on. But he wants to be a Gamecock, and he wants to see the program have the success that was expected in 2025.

With Stewart returning on defense and LaNorris Sellers back to lead the offense, South Carolina has a shot of being the team that we thought they were going to be last year. And it would be a great reward to Stewart if the Gamecocks can make a run at the CFP and put together a historic season.