The South Carolina Gamecocks are preparing to take on the No. 16 Florida Gators this week. As the Gamecocks gear up to go on the road, head coach Shane Beamer addressed the status of star EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart.
During his weekly press conference, Coach Beamer stated that Stewart has officially returned to practice on Tuesday heading into game week against the Gators. However, his status for Saturday's game is not yet determined.
Shane Beamer said Dylan Stewart was at practice today.
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) October 6, 2026
Said his status has not been determined yet for the Florida game.
Stewart was indefinitely suspended two weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/Rdk9BZHkg5
Stewart has been suspended indefinitely from the team since last Sunday, as he was seen punching Alabama player Josh Ford during the Gamecocks' 49-18 loss to the Crimson Tide. He was also seen having a heated conversation with Beamer during the game, as well as refusing to come off of the field when coaches wanted to sub him out.
As part of a separate decision, the SEC, together with South Carolina, announced a one-game suspension of Stewart leading up to the Kentucky game.
"Dylan Stewart's egregious contact reflects behavior that is unacceptable and not aligned with the standards of the Southeastern Conference," SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said of Stewart in a statement. "Such action against an opponent carries a serious risk of injury and has no place in our conference competition. This suspension is appropriate, and any future misconduct by Dylan Stewart will result in more severe disciplinary action."
On Sunday evening, Coach Beamer had previously told reporters that Stewart's status with the team had not changed.
The Washington, D.C. native, is expected to be a top pick in next year's NFL Draft, with some mock drafts putting him going as high as the Top-10. South Carolina could use all the help it can get against Florida, as the Gamecocks are listed as 14-point underdogs.
How Dylan Stewart's suspension might affect his draft stock in 2027
If Stewart is cleared to play for Saturday's contest, it'll be interesting to see how much he he plays, if at all. He missed the Gamecocks' first two games against Kent State and Towson, and has been limited in his return, He has spent the entire offseason rehabbing from a back injury he played through for the majority of the 2025 season. During South Carolina's loss to Mississippi State, he was not on the field during the fourth quarter.
In his first two games back, he has accounted for just one solo stop. In his absence, South Carolina's pass-rush has turned to the likes of Kelby Collins, Julian Walker and Caleb Herring. The group finished last week's game against Kentucky with three sacks on Wildcat quarterback Kenny Minchey.
Having an effective pass-rush will be key this week, as South Carolina will look to pressure Florida quarterback Aaron Philo, who has played well at home so far this season.
Whether or not Stewart will play against the Gators should become more clear as the week progresses. Saturday's game will kickoff at 12:45 p.m. ET and air live on SEC Network.
Florida's Jon Sumrall not overlooking South Carolina, which has "NFL guys everywhere."
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