Dylan Stewart Reportedly Set to Return from Suspension for South Carolina vs. Florida

South Carolina's struggling defense will get a big boost on Saturday with Dylan Stewart set to return from suspension for a marquee matchup with Florida.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Stewart will play for the Gamecocks as they travel to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to take on No. 16 Florida.

The SEC and South Carolina jointly announced a one-game suspension for Stewart for punching an Alabama player and arguing with coaches on the sidelines during a 49-18 loss on Sept. 26.

Prior to the official announcement, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer had said Stewart was going to be suspended indefinitely.

Stewart returned to practice on Tuesday as the team began preparations for Florida, but Beamer told reporters his status for the game had not yet been decided.

"He was at practice today," Beamer said. "His status for Saturday has not been determined. That will be determined as we go throughout the week."

Stewart has only played in two games so far this season. He missed the first two weeks due to a back injury before making his 2026 debut against Mississippi State on Sept. 19.

Coming into the season, Stewart was regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2027 NFL draft. He is ranked as the No. 5 overall player by B/R's NFL scouting department in the most recent big board released on Sept. 22.

South Carolina is off to a 2-3 start with all three losses in SEC play. The defense ranks 102nd out of 138 FBS programs in points allowed per game.

Stewart has one tackle for loss and no sacks in two games this season. He recorded 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 11 appearances as a sophomore in 2025.

Saturday will mark the first time since the 2023 season that South Carolina and Florida will meet. The Gamecocks haven't defeated their SEC rivals since November 2021.

The last time South Carolina defeated Florida in Gainesville was in 2014.