The South Carolina Gamecocks are fewer than seven days away from beginning fall camp, and as head coach Shane Beamer prepares to turn the page after a disappointing 4-8 season in Columbia, one of the program’s biggest concerns is the health of standout EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart.
The rising junior, who has recorded 56 total tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles over the past two seasons, has been managing a back injury that dates back to last year. Beamer recently revealed that Stewart played through the injury for much of the previous season.
Because of the injury, Stewart has been sidelined during spring practices and several other team activities. While Beamer has indicated that the standout defender is making solid physical progress, he was also asked about how Stewart is coping with the rehabilitation process mentally.
“Just making sure he understands that we’re never going to put him back out there before he’s truly ready,” Beamer said, according to Gamecock Central. “That applies to every player from a physical standpoint. Of course, we’d all love to have him back as soon as possible, but he won’t return until the doctors clear him and he feels completely confident physically. And honestly, that goes back to last season as well—he was far from fully healthy throughout the year.”
Despite dealing with the injury, Stewart is still widely viewed as a potential high first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, with some analysts projecting him to be chosen within the top 10 picks. However, receiving medical clearance is only part of the recovery process; it means little if a player is not mentally ready to return to the field. From the sound of Beamer’s comments, the Gamecocks’ coaching, medical, and rehabilitation staffs have worked carefully to support both Stewart’s physical recovery and his mental well-being throughout the process.
“Understanding that taking time to rest is the best thing for him,” Beamer continued. “The goal is that once he’s fully cleared, he can return to the field and become an even better version of the Dylan Stewart everyone saw emerge in 2024. I’m confident that will happen. He’s in a really good mental place right now.”
South Carolina’s defense struggled at times last season, finishing 52nd nationally in total defense, 49th against the run, and tied for 100th in sacks. If the Gamecocks hope to reach a bowl game in 2026, they will need significant improvement in each of those areas. For that to happen, Stewart must return at full strength—not only physically, but perhaps even more importantly, mentally.
Beamer has not yet announced whether Stewart has been fully cleared to practice. The same uncertainty surrounds standout offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak, who is continuing to recover from a knee injury. South Carolina will likely need both players completely healthy if it wants to get the 2026 season back on track.
The Gamecocks are scheduled to open the 2026 season at home against Kent State on September 5.
