As phenomenal as South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart has been, he couldn’t single-handedly derail opposing offenses during the 2025 season, especially while dealing with injuries. However, expectations remain sky-high for the standout, who is now stepping into a natural leadership role as he prepares to make a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
How Dylan Stewart Is Leading South Carolina from the Sidelines During Injury Recovery
Stewart likely would have been one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal had he chosen to enter. As he continues recovering from last season’s injury, he doesn’t need to prove himself during spring or summer workouts. Still, he has already stepped into a leadership role, guiding his teammates.
New edge coach Deion Barnes pointed that out during his media session on Monday.
“He loves football,” Barnes said. “That’s the biggest thing I know. He loves football with his teammates, cheering them on, making sure they’re doing the right things, and he sees things that maybe they don’t, and he pulls them to the side. So, I’ve been seeing a little bit of, you know, just trying to help guys out. But that’s one thing I say: he loves football.”
Following the departure of former position coach Sterling Lucas to LSU, Stewart will now work under Barnes, whose early praise reflects the standout EDGE’s ability. Stewart battled a back injury last season, sitting out entirely against Coastal Carolina and missing time late the following week in the Clemson game. Coaches have said surgery won’t be necessary, with rest being the primary recovery plan.
As for Stewart’s dedication to South Carolina, he has already proven it by not following Lucas to LSU.
“There’s great people (at South Carolina),” Stewart told The State. “And I know how bad other places can be, and the stuff they don’t tell you about, you don’t know. The grass isn’t always greener. You don’t know what you’re walking into (going to another program). I know what I have.”
Stewart recorded 33 tackles, a team-leading 12 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks last season. He opened the year with a career-best performance against Virginia Tech, recording 7 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2025. He finished the season being ranked No. 34 nationally in the PFSN College Football EDGE Impact Metric with an 80.3 score.
Stewart has recorded 11 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss, and 6 forced fumbles in his two seasons at South Carolina. He earned Freshman All-American honors in 2024 and was a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. An ESPN 300 recruit, he was ranked No. 14 overall in the 2024 class out of Washington, D.C.
After signing his latest deal with South Carolina, Stewart is expected to be among the highest-paid players in the country, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He is also projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
