Dylan Stewart’s Suspension Raises Questions for South Carolina

Dylan Stewart, South Carolina Gamecocks edge rusher, is frequently predicted to be a top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL mock drafts. However, recent events have clouded his immediate future.

During a game on Saturday, Stewart was involved in an incident leading to his ejection. South Carolina faced a significant 49-14 defeat against the Alabama Crimson Tide when Stewart punched tight end Josh Ford’s helmet. This altercation extended to a sideline argument with coaches, culminating in an indefinite suspension announced by head coach Shane Beamer on Sunday.

“I’ll make the decision on what his future looks like beyond this week here in the next day or so. Still having some meetings and talking with him, but he won’t play this week versus Kentucky,”

Beamer stated in a press conference, emphasizing that, “there’s a standard of how we do things in our program and that was not it last night. It’s beyond the punch. The punch is unacceptable.”

Head coach Beamer reiterated the importance of accountability, a core value in the program, as they move forward from this incident. Despite the setback, the coach acknowledged that Stewart is not the first player to throw a punch and likely not the last. Still, other concerning behaviors were also part of the suspension decision.

Stewart, who made a significant impact in his freshman year with 6.5 sacks and 23 tackles, had 4.5 sacks and 33 tackles in 2025. He earned second-team All-SEC recognition last year and was named an honorable mention All-American by football expert Phil Steele.

It remains uncertain when Stewart might return to the field, if at all, this season. His absence is significant as South Carolina records now stand at 2-2, following their loss to Alabama. The Gamecocks are scheduled to play against Kentucky this Saturday.

Details surrounding Stewart’s future with the team and his potential role in upcoming games remain under evaluation.