The story surrounding the South Carolina Gamecocks football team this week is EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart's suspension from the team. The move came after Stewart was seen throwing a punch at Alabama tight end Josh Ford.
He was also seen having a heated discussion with head coach Shane Beamer, in addition to refusing to come off the field when his coaches told him to sub out of the game.
South Carolina had media availability for a few Gamecock players earlier this week, and they were asked their thoughts on his suspension.
One of Stewart's teammates along the defensive line, Tomiwa Durojaiye, said that despite the added attention on the Stewart suspension on the Gamecocks, morale remains high.
"Morale on the team is high," Durojaiye said via Gamecocks 247. "Dylan Stewart is a helluva player. Everybody knows how talented he is. We wish Dylan the best. Hopefully it gets figured out. Hopefully it gets resolved, but no matter what it is – the team, the team is the focus. We definitely wish Dylan Stewart well. I love that guy and I love this team."
Additionally, Stewart was given a one-game suspension from both the SEC and South Carolina for his conduct on Saturday night. Durojaiye, who transferred in from Illinois this offseason, added that accountability is one of the core values on the Gamecocks' team.
"But accountability is a core value on the team," Durojaiye added. There are some things that Dylan, he's got to get right and some things you've just got to fix (how) you express yourself. You've got to understand how to come off on certain things. But the most important thing is the team."
South Carolina DT Tomiwa Durojaiye on edge Dylan Stewart
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) September 29, 2026
"Dylan Stewart is a hell of a player. ... Hopefully it gets resolved." pic.twitter.com/91HfRSJwhU
He added that he believes Stewart is a first-round draft pick.
Offensive lineman Nolan Hay echoed his comments, and added that no one player is above the team and what Coach Beamer thinks the team should stand for:
"Obviously, you don't want to see that happen, especially with him," Hay said via Gamecock 247. He's a great player. We're going to miss him very much, but at the end of the day, you can't put yourself above the team. That's why there are rules set in place, so that people who are as good as he is set to the same standard as everyone else. But we're with him. We wish he could be out there with us."
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Gamecock star safety Peyton Williams, who has 16 total tackles and an interception so far this season, added that the team is planning to "stay together as one," and that the focus is on beating Kentucky on Saturday.
While Stewart is away from the team, the Gamecocks will likely rely on its rotation of Anthony Addison, Julian Walker, Drew Collins and Caleb Herring. Addison has gotten three sacks so far.
MORE: How Dylan Stewart's suspension might affect his NFL Draft stock in 2027
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