South Carolina pass-rusher Dylan Stewart, a guy Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department is already pegging as a potential No. 9 overall pick in the 2027 draft, is officially out for the beginning of the 2026 season. Head coach Shane Beamer dropped the news, making it clear it’s just “unrealistic” to think the 20-year-old will be ready to go. On3.com also confirmed Stewart is unlikely to suit up for the Gamecocks’ season-opener.
This Back Injury Isn’t Going Away
Man, this back issue for Stewart just keeps hanging around. He first got hurt back in the 2025 season, and even though he battled through it for 11 of their 12 games last year, it’s clearly still a massive problem. The dude missed all of South Carolina’s spring practices because of it, stuck recovering from that persistent back issue. Coach Beamer sounded pretty serious about it back in April too, saying Stewart just “needs rest right now.” He even added, “It’s not like we send him to a doctor, and he makes a couple of adjustments and he’s good to go… He just needs to rest. That’s the plan for him right now.” That’s not what you want to hear about a guy with that kind of draft hype, especially when he’s only 20 years old.
Gamecocks Are Without a Game-Wrecker
So, what does this actually mean for South Carolina? They’re kicking off their 2026 campaign against Kent State on Sept. 5 without one of their absolute playmakers. Stewart was a beast last season *while injured*, putting up 33 tackles, a crazy 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two passes defended. Those are serious numbers from a 20-year-old playing through pain. On3.com’s Chris Low also reported that offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak is unlikely to suit up for the opener either, which just adds to the headache. Losing a talent like Stewart, especially with those production numbers, is a gut punch right out of the gate.
This is a tough start for South Carolina, no doubt. They’re facing Kent State on Sept. 5, and they’ll have to figure out how to generate that pass rush without their projected first-rounder. Everyone’s gonna be watching for updates on Stewart and that back, hoping he can heal up and get back on the field to show why he’s considered one of the top prospects for next year.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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