The South Carolina Gamecocks fell 29-20 to Missouri on Saturday night, extending their SEC losing streak and raising fresh questions about the stability of the program. But it wasn't just the loss that had fans buzzing, it was what happened immediately after the game ended.
Beamer and Stewart’s Post-Game Moment
According to Jordan Kaye on social media, "Shane Beamer just ran after Dylan Stewart, who was already walking in the tunnel to the locker room. Beamer tapped him on the back and told him to join the team for the alma mater."
Shane Beamer just ran after Dylan Stewart, who was already walking in the tunnel to the locker room.
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) September 21, 2025
Beamer tapped him on the back and told him to join the team for the alma mater
That specific moment stood out because it is unusual for a coach to have to physically call back one of his star players for a team tradition. Stewart, a sophomore edge rusher and one of the top defenders in the SEC, had already drawn attention with his plays. Now, his body language is drawing speculation from fans.
Why Fans Are Worried
Stewart is no ordinary player on the South Carolina roster. In December 2024, he signed a landmark NIL deal with The Garnet Trust valued at $1-1.5 million, turning down even larger offers from other big-name programs to stay in Columbia. Through four games this season, Stewart has racked up 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and leads SEC defenders with a 9.2% pressure rate. He has been a defensive bright spot on a team struggling to find wins.
But the Gamecocks' 2-2 record including a 0-2 in SEC play, has fans on edge. The offense has sputtered repeatedly, ranking 113th nationally in efficiency, and the defense just gave up over 200 rushing yards to the Tigers on Saturday night. For a program desperate to turn the corner, the sight of Stewart walking away early felt like another bad omen.
Fan Speculation Boils Over
The South Carolina fanbase wasted no time in weighing in on social media after the news broke about Stewart walking away from the after-game traditions.
transfer portal incoming
— Ashley Schaeffer Vol (@SchaefferVol) September 21, 2025
@Dylan1Stewart_ go ahead enter the portal 👑 and come to Knoxville and be part of something special in 2026 with the Great Rodney Garner where your talents will be utilized and appreciated.
— Volunteer Marine 1371! (@MarineVol1371) September 21, 2025
The negativity reflects more than frustration with Stewart, it is also aimed at the program itself. Despite Beamer's record through four seasons at the helm, the team's current skid has rattled confidence.
Beamer is losing the locker room
— South Carolina (@Gamecock_Scott) September 21, 2025
Beamer has hosed a lot of players by allowing garbage coaches to remain on staff. They’re not
— Georgi Gamecock (@But0why0Bitcoin) September 21, 2025
developing, not disciplined.
He sold them a bill of goods and isn’t delivering. In business that’s a breach of contract, in the military it’s dereliction of duty. In SC it’s all good.
Wait, wait….Dylan Stewart is what we all knew he was. Poor character is an understatement.
— Ice Ice Baby (@PiggybkRide) September 21, 2025
Beamer chose to pay him, and now expects better?
Beamer has zero control of this team.
What’s Next
For Stewart, the spotlight won't dim anytime soon. He has two years of eligibility left and has openly spoken about chasing College Football Playoff dreams. Whether he feels that can still happen at South Carolina remains to be seen.
The Gamecocks will host Kentucky on Saturday, September 27. A win could ease the noise and cool transfer speculations.