South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart has officially cemented himself as one of the top young stars in college football. The standout EDGE rusher has been ranked the No. 2 returning player in the nation, a remarkable feat for someone entering just his sophomore season.
His explosive freshman campaign turned heads, and now, he’s all set to take on an even bigger role for the Gamecocks in 2025. Can he lead South Carolina to their first-ever SEC title?
Dylan Stewart Ranks No. 2 in Top 100 Returning Players
College Sports Network ranked EDGE Dylan Stewart second overall on their Top 100 Returning Players list. His freshman season was nothing short of elite, earning him the CSN Defensive Freshman of the Year award.
In 2024, the Gamecock defender racked up 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and 23 total tackles while constantly facing double and even triple teams. Despite playing alongside the highly regarded EDGE Kyle Kennard, Stewart still outperformed many veteran pass rushers.
With Kennard heading to the NFL, Stewart will now be the focal point of South Carolina’s defense. The Gamecocks’ coaching staff expects him to elevate his game even further, especially with his natural ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. He finished with six more quarterback pressures than Texas’ Colin Simmons, another top-ranked edge rusher.
Off the field, Stewart’s influence continues to grow. His recent NIL deal underscores his rising star power, and expectations for his sophomore season are sky-high. If his freshman year was any indication, he could be in line for national honors in 2025.
KEEP READING: Top 100 True Freshmen in College Football in 2024
With Stewart leading the charge, South Carolina’s defense could be one of the most formidable in the SEC. The Gamecocks’ faithful have every reason to be excited—their young star is just getting started.
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