South Carolina linebacker Dylan Stewart is returning for his junior season and reportedly will rank among the nation’s highest-paid players in 2026.
The All-Southeastern Conference edge rusher confirmed his decision to remain with the Gamecocks via a three-word message posted Tuesday on Instagram: “Run It Back.”
Stewart is not draft-eligible but there was concern he could enter the transfer portal. According to ESPN, his name, image and likeness deals will rank among the most lucrative in college football next season.
For perspective, the highest-paid players in 2025 included Texas QB Arch Manning ($5.5 million NIL valuation), Miami QB Carson Beck ($4.9 million) and Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith ($4.2 million), based on multiple reports.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Stewart recorded 4.5 sacks, 12.0 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 11 games this season for the Gamecocks (4-8, 1-7 SEC). His two-season totals include 11.0 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss, 56 tackles and six forced fumbles in 24 games.
–Field Level Media
