The South Carolina Gamecocks will be without two of its biggest stars as head coach Shane Beamer and his team starts fall camp on Friday. On Thursday, Coach Beamer confirmed to reporters that Gamecock star EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart and offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak are still not fully cleared injury-wise to participate in day one of fall camp.
“Same situation with Peak and Dylan,” Beamer said via Gamecock Central on Thursday. “They won’t be practicing full tomorrow, but they’re on track. They’ve had good checkups, updates from doctors last week.”
Both guys have been undergoing their respective rehabs from injuries. Peak suffered a knee injury in February while he was playing a pick-up game of basketball. Stewart is still getting treatment from a back injury that he had and played through for most of the 2025 season. Neither of them participated in spring practices, so they have been away from most of South Carolina's offseason activities.
In recent weeks, Beamer has stated that both guys have been progressing well through their respective injury rehabs. But both guys being still not fully cleared for practice as the Gamecocks start fall camp is a tad bit concerning for South Carolina fans. The Gamecocks are slated to open their 2026 regular season in less than four weeks, kicking off against Kent State in Williams-Brice Stadium on Sept. 5.
The hope is obviously that one or both guys will be ready to go and fully cleared for practice before long. Both are big pieces of South Carolina's plans for having a bounceback season in 2026. Stewart is still the leader of this Gamecock defense, entering his third season with South Carolina this season. Even with his back injury last season, he still finished with 33 total tackles. As a true freshman, he had 6.5 sacks and 23 total stops. Over his last two seasons, he's forced six fumbles.
A history of South Carolina OC Kendal Briles' offenses by the numbers part 1
Obviously getting Stewart back is critical, but South Carolina fans might be a bit more concerned that Peak is not fully cleared just yet. The star offensive tackle, who started his career at NC State, was the biggest name that Coach Beamer landed from the portal this offseason. Across his three seasons with the Wolfpack, he allowed just seven total sacks and five quarterback hits. Beamer told reporters at SEC Media Days last month that Peak was progressing well, adding that he is even running at full speed.
Having him fully healthy is critical for returning start quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who took a career-high 43 sacks in 2025. Peak will be key in pass protection for Sellers, who is looking to have a big season under new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. Having quality pass protection will also help open up the Gamecocks' quarterback run game, and run game in general with Matt Fuller and Christian Clark in the backfield.
Hopefully South Carolina's two biggest stars won't be out for too long.
Part 2: A history of South Carolina OC Kendal Briles' offenses by the numbers
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