Why is Dylan Stewart suspended? When South Carolina star will return

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South Carolina coach Shane Beamer was asked Tuesday, Sept. 29, who and what will decide when star edge rusher Dylan Stewart returns from suspension.

"Me," he said as he took a swig of water at the lectern.

Stewart, a projected first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, was suspended indefinitely by Beamer after the Gamecocks' 49-18 to Alabama in Week 4. The former five-star recruit was a part of multiple incidents against the Crimson Tide that went viral on social media.

REQUIRED READING: How Shane Beamer will decide when Dylan Stewart suspension ends at South Carolina

South Carolina has a 2-2 record this season after going 4-8 in 2025 and is aiming to keep its season from falling apart for the second year in a row. Losing Stewart for an extended period of time would be a big blow to the Gamecocks' struggling defense.

South Carolina faces Kentucky at home on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Here's what to know of Stewart's suspension this season:

Why is Dylan Stewart suspended and not playing?

Stewart was suspended by Beamer after multiple rough moments against Alabama in Week 4. Stewart punched Alabama tight end Josh Ford in the helmet after a Crimson Tide touchdown. He also appeared uninterested in a few instances while South Carolina coaches attempted to talk to him during the game.

While Beamer announced Stewart is suspended indefinitely, South Carolina and the SEC jointly agreed to suspend Stewart for one game following his punch, which the conference called "egregious contact against an opposing player."

Beamer said he had a few emotional conversations with Stewart after the game, and hopes the young star can learn from the situation.

"He made a mistake and I understand a lot of the negative attention that he has brought on himself," Beamer said. "I'm not condoning any of that. Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying but I do also know the kid has a lot of stuff going on in his life. Yes, he's Dylan Stewart future NFL draft star and all that. But he's still a young man at heart and dealing with some things, and we're trying to help him through it."

When will Dylan Stewart return from suspension?

Beamer made it clear that Stewart needs to accomplish a few things before being unsuspended from the team.

“Show that he can embody the standard of what we want this program to be about on and off the field," Beamer said of what is needed from Stewart.

South Carolina players also supported the decision. Defensive lineman Tomiwa Durojaiye said the team supports Stewart, but also supports Beamer and "the standard" of the program.

"Accountability is a core value of the team," Durojaiye said. "There's some things Dylan has to get right. There's some things you just got to fix … but the most important thing is the team. I'll be honest with you guys, Dylan Stewart is a first-round draft pick … He won't be the last first-round draft pick to come through Carolina so the team is what's important."

"… Whenever that decision gets made, I'm supporting coach's decision. I'd love to have Dylan Stewart back. That's not on me, that's not for me to decide."

Dylan Stewart stats

Here are Stewart's year-by-year stats in college:

  • 2024: 23 total tackles with 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles
  • 2025: 33 total tackles with 4.5 sacks and three forced fumbles
  • 2026: 1 total tackle (two games of limited action)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Dylan Stewart suspended? When South Carolina star will return

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