Dylan Stewart to Return to South Carolina in 2026 on Revenue-Sharing NIL Deal

A new revenue-sharing deal positions the All-SEC edge rusher among college football's top earners, according to ESPN.

Overview

Stewart announced on Instagram that he will return to the Gamecocks for his 2026 junior season.
He signed a new revenue-sharing/NIL agreement with South Carolina, and ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports he is expected to be among the nation’s highest-paid players next season.
The standout defender has totaled 56 tackles, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in 24 games, with 88 quarterback pressures over two seasons.
He is widely projected as a top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, raising the stakes for his junior year.
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers also confirmed he will be back in 2026, providing continuity after a 4–8 season as the staff adjusts following Stewart’s position coach departing for LSU under Lane Kiffin.