Full Breakdown
South Carolina Suspends Edge Rusher Dylan Stewart After Punching Alabama Player
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
South Carolina’s 49-18 loss to No. 8 Alabama on Saturday night ended with a disciplinary incident that has sidelined the Gamecocks’ top defensive prospect. Junior edge rusher Dylan Stewart struck Alabama tight end Josh Ford in the helmet during a fourth-quarter play, received an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and was not ejected. After the game, Stewart argued with coaches, refused to leave the field when asked, and was ultimately forced out and replaced by freshman Julian Walker. The following day, head coach Shane Beamer announced that Stewart has been suspended indefinitely and will miss the upcoming Week 5 contest against Kentucky.
Background & Context
The Gamecocks entered the season after a 4-8 campaign and were 2-2 overall, 0-2 in SEC play when the Alabama game occurred. Stewart missed the first two weeks of the season while recovering from a lingering back injury that kept him out of offseason workouts and fall camp. He returned in limited snaps against Mississippi State and Alabama, recording only one tackle to date.
Data & Statistics
- Stewart posted 11 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss across his first two college seasons.
- He earned second-team All-SEC honors after an injury-shortened sophomore year in 2025.
- Through two games this season he has logged a single solo tackle and no sacks.
- ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid projected Stewart as a top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Beamer called Stewart’s conduct “unacceptable” and said it violated the program’s standards of accountability. He indicated that the suspension extends beyond the punch itself, referencing “multiple incidents” that conflicted with team values. The university’s athletic department has not released further comment.
Alabama tight end Josh Ford acknowledged the contact, stating he was punched three times but described the exchange as “awesome” and “a good battle.”
SEC officials have not announced any additional disciplinary action beyond the Gamecocks’ internal suspension.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I saw the play that he got the penalty on. I didn’t see it until just now, and that’s unacceptable,” — Shane Beamer
- “There’s a standard of how we do things in this program, and that was not it last night,” — Shane Beamer
What’s Next
South Carolina’s next scheduled game is against No. 24 Kentucky on the SEC Network. Stewart will be unavailable for that matchup, and the coaching staff is expected to rely on Julian Walker and other defensive contributors to fill the void.