South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer announced on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, that edge rusher Dylan Stewart has been suspended indefinitely. The disciplinary action follows an incident during the fourth quarter of the Gamecocks' 49-18 loss to Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. Stewart was penalized for a personal foul during the game.
The suspension follows Stewart throwing a punch at Alabama tight end Josh Ford. Stewart struck Ford in the helmet during the final quarter of play. Beamer stated that the decision to suspend Stewart was based on a failure to meet program standards, noting that while the punch was unacceptable, "some of the other stuff" also contributed to the decision regarding accountability.
Stewart, who was a preseason Associated Press All-America first-team selection, has been ruled out for the upcoming home game against No. 24 Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. Prior to this suspension, Stewart had missed the first two games of the 2026 season due to a back injury. In the two games he has played, he recorded one tackle for loss and three quarterback hurries.
For Stewart, the indefinite suspension creates uncertainty regarding his playing time during his draft-eligible season. Having already missed two games due to a back injury, Stewart has only participated in two contests this year.
The specific duration of the suspension remains unknown, though Beamer indicated a further decision would be made early in the week of Sept. 28. Stewart’s status for games beyond the Oct. 3 matchup against Kentucky has not yet been determined.
Coach Beamer is expected to decide early this week regarding the status of Stewart and when he might be permitted to return. South Carolina is scheduled to host Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 3.