College football never really stands still, does it? The transfer portal’s changed everything, and fans are left holding their breath, hoping their favorite players stick around. This past offseason, South Carolina’s edge rusher Dylan Stewart found himself right in the middle of that drama.
His position coach, Sterling Lucas, took off for LSU. That move could’ve easily shaken things up. But Stewart surprised a lot of people—he decided to stay put, showing a level of loyalty that’s honestly rare these days. It’s set the stage for what could be a pretty remarkable season for the Gamecocks.
Dylan Stewart’s Decision to Stay at South Carolina
When the offseason hit, South Carolina fans were on edge about Stewart’s future. With Lucas gone and the transfer portal wide open, it seemed like Stewart might be out the door. But he didn’t budge. He signed on for his junior year, quieting the rumor mill.
Factors Influencing Stewart’s Decision
What kept him in Columbia? A few things stand out:
- Familiarity with the Program: Stewart’s been with South Carolina for two seasons, and his stats—12 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles—speak for themselves.
- Relationship with Coach Lucas: Even though Lucas left, their bond mattered. Stewart took Lucas’s advice to heart: do what’s best for you.
- Uncertainty of the Unknown: Stewart wasn’t convinced a new school would be better. As he put it, *the grass isn’t always greener*.
The Impact of Sterling Lucas’s Departure
Lucas heading to LSU was a big deal. He’d been a huge part of Stewart’s growth and recruitment. Some folks expected Stewart to follow him, but he didn’t.
Sticking with the Gamecocks, Stewart showed he’s thinking long-term. He believes in what Shane Beamer’s building. It’s a move that says a lot about where his head’s at.
Lucas’s Influence on Stewart
Lucas leaving wasn’t easy for Stewart. There was pressure to join him at LSU, no question. But after some reflection, Stewart figured staying made more sense for his last college season.
It’s a pretty mature call, honestly. He chose what he knows over a leap into the unknown, valuing his relationships and the comfort of the program. Maybe that’s not flashy, but it’s smart.
Stewart’s Performance and Future Prospects
On the field, Stewart’s been a force. Those 12 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss? Not many can match that. He’s already one of college football’s top defensive players.
By sticking with South Carolina, he’s not just helping the team—he’s also keeping himself in the conversation as a projected top-10 pick for the 2027 NFL Draft. That’s no small thing.
Comparisons to Jadeveon Clowney
People can’t help but compare Stewart to Jadeveon Clowney. The stats, the impact, the decision to stay—they all echo what Clowney did in Columbia. Stewart’s got the chance to leave his own mark, though.
Coming back for another year gives him time to sharpen his game and boost his draft stock. It’s a gamble, sure, but one that could pay off big.
The Importance of Loyalty in College Football
The transfer portal’s made loyalty feel almost old-fashioned. Stewart’s choice to stay bucks that trend. He saw value in comfort and support, even when other options might’ve seemed tempting.
Lessons for Future Players
There’s something in Stewart’s story for other players to chew on. The portal offers opportunity, but it’s not always a magic fix. Stewart weighed the pros and cons, leaned into what he already had, and made a call that felt right for him.
Conclusion
Dylan Stewart’s decision to stay at South Carolina, especially with all the chaos of the transfer portal, feels like a big win for both him and the team. It’s not every day you see that kind of loyalty these days.
His maturity in sticking with his choice says a lot about how tricky college football has gotten lately. Stewart’s heading into his junior year, and honestly, Gamecock fans have every reason to be excited. One of the top defensive players in the country, still wearing garnet and black? That’s something to look forward to.
If you’re curious about the details or just want more context, you can check out the full article on The State.
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