The South Carolina Gamecocks are reloading after a down 4-8 season in Columbia. The season was the worst finish for head coach Shane Beamer, who is entering his sixth season as the Gamecocks' head coach.
But there is plenty of optimism in Columbia, thanks Beamer overhauling his staff, as well as several returning stars for the Gamecocks. One of those key returning starters is star EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart. Across his two seasons with the Gamecocks, he has accounted for 56 total tackles, 11 sacks, six forced fumbles and three passes defended.
College football writers Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman recently released their top 10 returning EDGE rushers in college football ahead of the 2026 college football season. Unsurprisingly, Stewart checked in as the No. 3 overall player, right behind Texas' Colin Simmons and Louisville's Clev Lubin:
Our top 10 returning EDGE defenders in college football 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/tXTqs3I2U1
— Preferred Walk-On (@Preferred_WO) May 29, 2026
Stewart was a bit limited in 2025, and he had two less sacks than his true freshman season in 2024. But he dealt with a back injury throughout the year, per Beamer. Although the star was limited during the Gamecocks' recent spring football season, the head coach has said Stewart is ahead of schedule, and expected to be full-go in time for South Carolina's fall camp in a few months.
After a limited season in 2025, opposing coaches and players should be pretty worried about what Stewart can do entering his third year. With two years experience under his belt, he is expected to provide some veteran leadership as well.
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