South Carolina's Dylan Stewart is making his mark, and the nation is taking notice. The sophomore edge rusher has been named to the 2025 Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List, the award committee announced this week. The list recognizes 65 of the country's top linemen and linebackers who embody the leadership, discipline, and toughness the Lombardi name represents.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Stewart had been a force off the edge for the Gamecocks this season. The Washington, D.C. native has already tallied 27 tackles, more than he had during his entire freshman campaign with the Gamecocks. He also leads the team with 9.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Those nine tackles for loss currently rank top-10 nationally. Stewart also added six QB hurries and two forced fumbles to his already growing résumé.
Stewart had a stellar freshman year that saw him earn FWAA Freshman All-American honors, a spot on the SEC All-Freshmen Team, and recognition as a finalist for the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year Award. He amassed 19.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks in his first 19 games as a Gamecock.
The Lombardi Award is presented annually to the nation's top offensive or defensive lineman and will be handed out in Houston, Texas on December 10, 2025. Voters will select 12 semifinalists during October 21-31, with semifinalists announced on November 4. Finalist voting will take place November 6-14, followed by the announcement of the four finalists on November 18th. Players from all FBS conferences and independents are considered.