The South Carolina Gamecocks have a rising star on defense, Dylan Stewart, who is poised to be one of the most dominant players in the country heading into the 2025 college football season.
The highly touted edge rusher made a big splash in his debut season in 2024, displaying an elite blend of size, speed, and power that made him a nightmare for any offensive line. Now, with a year of experience under his belt, Stewart is ready to take his game to the next level and establish himself as one of the best pass rushers in college football.
Dylan Stewart’s Standout Freshman Campaign
It didn’t take long for Stewart to make an impact for the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2024 season. The freshman edge rusher ended the season with 28 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 10 tackles for loss. It proved that he was more than able to face drying speed and physical form.
His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and shut down running lanes has only made him as dangerous as any player in the conference.
Stewart’s explosiveness off the line of scrimmage sets him apart from other prospects. His quick first step allows him to beat offensive tackles with ease, and his length and strength make it difficult for blockers to contain him. As a freshman, Stewart has shown an impressive ability to turn his speed into power, overpowering linemen and disrupting the pocket.
Stewart has the perfect combination of athleticism and skill to be an elite edge rusher. At 6’6″ and 248 pounds, he has the perfect build to dominate at the collegiate level and transition smoothly to the NFL in the future. But it’s not just his physical attributes that set him apart; it’s his relentless athleticism and football IQ.
Stewart has already developed a powerful arsenal of pass-rushing moves, including a deadly spin-mache and a devastating bull rush. His ability to withstand offensive linemen’s adjustments makes him difficult to block consistently.
The most important thing is that he is playing with the energy. This allows you to continue the latising line game on the sideline, in addition to being in a hurry with the defender.
In 2025, a coach of South Carolina’s coach, its growth will be the key again. If Stewart can perfect his technique and improve his ability to read offensive schemes, he could be an All-SEC player or even an All-American by the end of the season.
The Gamecocks have built an aggressive, strong defense around Stewart, and 2025 could be the year South Carolina makes a big impact in the SEC. The ability to pressure the quarterback will open up opportunities for the rest of the defense, including linebackers and safeties who are looking to capitalize on rushing throws and forced turnovers.
With a strong supporting cast on the defensive line, Stewart will be able to play even more aggressively on the edge. Opposing teams will be forced to double-team him, which could lead to more sacks and confusion for teammates. Stewart will be a key factor in determining how far the Gamecocms can go as South Carolina tries to climb the SEC standings.
Stewart’s Future Projection
At this rate, it won’t be long before NFL scouts really take notice if Stewart keeps improving. He’s already one of the most fascinating defensive prospects in college football by size, speed, and technical ability. A strong performance in 2025 would make him a surefire first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In the world of professional sports, the demand for elite athletes is growing every year. In 2025, Stewart’s arsenal would be a perfect fit for any team looking for elite dominance as an edge rusher, especially if he develops impressive game-winning control skills.
KEEP READING: Top 100 True Freshmen in College Football in 2024
South Carolina fans should be excited to see what happens. His speed, power, and tireless motor make him one of the most exciting defenders in the entire SEC, and depending on how quickly Stewart develops, he could not only help turn the Gamecocks into a defensive powerhouse but also establish himself as one of the best defensive backs in the country.
Now, the world waits to see how Stewart prepares to wreak havoc on opposing offenses in 2025. Big things are expected from the South Carolina star as he solidifies his place in the pantheon of college football’s most dangerous pass rushers.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
