Who Is Dylan Stewart? Career, Stats and 2026 Season
A five-star recruit from Washington, D.C., Dylan Stewart made an immediate impact at South Carolina, recording 6.5 sacks as a freshman before becoming one of the Gamecocks’ most closely watched defensive players.
So, who is Dylan Stewart? He is a college football edge rusher for the South Carolina Gamecocks who entered the 2026 season as a junior and one of the team’s leading defensive players. After two seasons, he had recorded 56 tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles, and he chose to return to South Carolina rather than enter the 2026 NFL draft process.
Who Is Dylan Stewart and Where Is He From?
Dylan Stewart is from Washington, D.C., and attended Friendship Collegiate Academy. He became one of the most highly regarded prospects in the 2024 recruiting class, earning five-star status and attracting major college football programs before choosing South Carolina.
When Stewart committed to the Gamecocks in August 2023, 247Sports’ composite rankings listed him as the No. 10 player nationally. He had recorded 16 sacks during his junior season at Friendship Collegiate, giving recruiters a clear indication of his ability to pressure quarterbacks before he reached college.
His decision also mattered to South Carolina’s recruiting efforts. Stewart became one of the program’s highest-profile recruits and followed five-star wide receiver Nyck Harbor, who had joined the Gamecocks for the 2023 class.
What Position Does Dylan Stewart Play?
Stewart plays as an edge rusher, although some statistical databases list him under the linebacker position. His role is primarily built around attacking the quarterback, setting the edge against the run, and creating pressure from the defensive front.
At roughly 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds during his first two college seasons, he has the size to compete against offensive linemen while also bringing the quick first step that made him highly regarded as a recruit. ESPN’s scouting coverage highlighted his ability to fire off the ball, redirect laterally, and bend around the edge.
That combination became especially important during his first season because South Carolina did not have to wait long for him to become involved in the defensive game plan.
How Did Dylan Stewart Perform as a Freshman?
The first season established why Dylan Stewart had received so much attention as a recruit.
In 2024, he finished with 23 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His sack total ranked third among FBS freshmen, and he became a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. He was also recognized as a Freshman All-American.
His production was notable because he was competing against experienced offensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference rather than high school opponents. He also came close to a South Carolina freshman sack record associated with Jadeveon Clowney, who recorded eight sacks in 2011.
The recognition continued beyond one award. The Football Writers Association of America named Stewart to its 2024 Freshman All-America team, alongside South Carolina teammates LaNorris Sellers and Josiah Thompson.
What Were Dylan Stewart’s 2025 Stats?
Stewart’s second season brought a different type of production. Rather than matching his freshman sack total, he expanded his overall defensive contribution.
In 2025, Stewart played in 11 games and started all 11. He recorded 33 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and three forced fumbles. His 12 tackles for loss led South Carolina that season.
ESPN’s season statistics show that his 2025 total included 19 solo tackles and 14 assisted tackles, along with three forced fumbles. Across his first two seasons, he reached 56 tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
The change from 6.5 sacks to 4.5 sacks does not tell the entire story of his second season. His increase in tackles for loss showed that his influence extended beyond finishing quarterback pressures.
Why Did Dylan Stewart Return to South Carolina in 2026?
One of the biggest developments in Stewart’s career came after the 2025 season.
In December 2025, Stewart announced that he would return to South Carolina for his true junior season in 2026. ESPN reported that his NIL arrangements were expected to place him among the higher-paid players in college football, although the precise amount of his compensation was not publicly established.
Reports about his 2026 compensation varied. The State reported that South Carolina coach Shane Beamer disputed a reported figure suggesting that Stewart and quarterback LaNorris Sellers would each be tied to approximately $5 million from the school’s revenue-sharing allocation. The report also noted that NIL earnings outside school revenue sharing could be separate.
As of September 25, 2026, On3 listed Stewart’s NIL valuation at $2 million. That figure is an estimated valuation, not a verified statement of his personal income or net worth.
What Honors Has Dylan Stewart Earned in 2026?
The 2026 preseason brought another significant milestone for Stewart.
South Carolina announced that Stewart was selected to the 2026 Preseason Associated Press First Team All-America squad. He was also named a First Team Walter Camp Preseason All-American and received first-team preseason All-SEC recognition.
These honors came after his two seasons of college production rather than solely from his recruiting reputation. They also placed him among the players receiving national attention before the 2026 season began.
What Is Next for Dylan Stewart?
For Dylan Stewart, the 2026 season represents another important stage before he becomes eligible for the NFL draft. ESPN reported after his decision to return that he was projected as a potential top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. That remains a projection rather than a completed draft result.
His immediate challenge is turning preseason recognition into another productive college season. His first two years have already provided a substantial statistical base, but his development as an edge rusher will depend on how he performs against SEC offenses throughout the 2026 campaign.
Conclusion
Dylan Stewart is a South Carolina edge rusher from Washington, D.C., whose college career began with the expectations attached to a five-star recruit and quickly developed into measurable production. His first two seasons produced 56 tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
His return for 2026 gives him another season to develop his game, while his preseason All-America selections show the level of attention surrounding him entering the year. For readers following college football, his 2026 performances will provide the clearest evidence of how his career continues to develop.