In an age where college athletes are cashing in on name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals like never before, Dylan Stewart has chosen a different path—one that’s becoming increasingly rare. The South Carolina Gamecocks’ five-star defensive phenom stunned fans, coaches, and even opposing recruiters when he recently revealed he had turned down several lucrative NIL offers from powerhouse programs around the country. His reason? Loyalty, belief, and a hunger to build something special in Columbia.
The buzz around Stewart has been undeniable since his high school days. Standing at 6-foot-5 with explosive speed, elite instincts, and a motor that never quits, he was a top target for every major program in the country. As NIL opportunities exploded, so did the financial numbers thrown his way. Sources close to several programs say Stewart was offered deals worth well into the seven figures—multi-year agreements that promised not only upfront cash but long-term endorsement partnerships, brand-building strategies, and even equity stakes in businesses. And yet, he said no.
Speaking candidly, Stewart admitted that the decision wasn’t easy. “Yeah, the money was crazy,” he said. “It was life-changing money. I could’ve gone to some places where I’d be set financially before I ever stepped on an NFL field. But that’s not what drives me. I came to South Carolina for a reason, and that reason hasn’t changed. I believe in Coach Beamer, I believe in this team, and I believe in doing something meaningful here—not just taking the biggest check.”
Stewart’s decision stands in stark contrast to a college football environment increasingly dominated by high-stakes bidding wars. Coaches around the nation have raised concerns about the effect of NIL on program building and player commitment, with some admitting that the recruiting process now feels more like NFL free agency than college sports. But for Shane Beamer and the South Carolina staff, Stewart’s decision is a breath of fresh air—and a powerful endorsement of the culture they’re building.
“Dylan is everything we want this program to be about,” Beamer said. “He’s talented, he’s tough, he’s got character, and most of all, he’s loyal. He’s not just here to be a star—he’s here to win. That says a lot about who he is and what we’re doing here at South Carolina. I couldn’t be prouder.”
For Stewart, the decision to stay goes beyond loyalty—it’s about legacy. He talked about wanting to be remembered as one of the players who helped elevate South Carolina football to new heights, rather than someone who jumped ship for a quick payday. “Anyone can go somewhere that’s already winning championships and ride that wave,” he said. “I want to be part of building something. I want to be one of the reasons South Carolina gets to that level. That means more to me than any amount of money right now.”
His perspective is rooted in a deep sense of pride and purpose. Growing up in Washington, D.C., Stewart saw firsthand what it meant to fight for something real. “Where I come from, nothing is handed to you,” he said. “You earn everything. You stay true to your people. That’s how I was raised. So when I committed here, I made a promise. And I don’t break promises just because someone waves a check in my face.”
That mentality has already made Stewart a fan favorite and a locker room leader, even at such an early stage in his college career. Teammates rave about his work ethic, his humility, and his willingness to do the dirty work in practice. Coaches point to his rapid development and coachability as signs that his ceiling is still far from being reached. Stewart, for his part, shrugs off the praise and deflects attention to the team.
“I don’t care about being the guy with the most stars or the biggest following,” he said. “I care about winning. I care about my brothers in that locker room. Every day I wake up, I think about what I can do to help us get better as a team. That’s where my focus is.”
Of course, that doesn’t mean the spotlight won’t find him. Stewart is expected to be a cornerstone of South Carolina’s defense this fall, with many analysts projecting a breakout season that could vault him into early NFL Draft discussions. His combination of size, speed, and intelligence makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses, and his relentless motor has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite edge rushers.
Still, Stewart isn’t worried about draft stock or national awards. “That stuff comes if you do your job,” he said. “If I take care of my business, the rest will follow. But if you start chasing all that before putting in the work, you lose focus. That’s not who I am.”
While Stewart’s commitment to South Carolina may not make headlines in the same way a flashy NIL deal does, it resonates deeply with fans who value loyalty and grit. Social media lit up with praise after his announcement, with Gamecocks fans hailing him as a culture-changer and a future legend. Alumni and boosters have expressed renewed confidence in the program’s trajectory, seeing Stewart as a cornerstone around which South Carolina can build a championship contender.
That kind of support isn’t lost on Stewart. “Gamecock Nation has had my back since day one,” he said. “They believed in me before I ever played a down. That means something. I want to give them everything I’ve got. I want to bring them the kind of season they deserve.”
In a time when players are often criticized for making business decisions, Stewart’s move is a reminder that not every story has to be driven by dollar signs. It’s a powerful message to recruits, fans, and programs across the country: loyalty still matters. So does character. And sometimes, choosing the harder path is what leads to the greatest rewards.
That message is already echoing beyond Columbia. High school coaches, media personalities, and former players have all chimed in, praising Stewart for taking a stand and reminding the football world that there’s more to the game than money. “He’s got old-school values in a new-school era,” one SEC coach remarked anonymously. “You don’t see that much anymore. It’s special.”
For Shane Beamer and his staff, Stewart’s decision is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a cultural victory. It signals to future recruits that South Carolina isn’t just a stepping stone, but a destination where players can grow, thrive, and leave a lasting legacy. And for Stewart himself, it’s just the beginning.
“I didn’t come here for handouts,” he said. “I came here to earn it. Every sack, every win, every moment—I want it to mean something. I want people to say, ‘He stayed, and he changed the game.’ That’s the legacy I’m chasing.”
If early indications are any sign, Dylan Stewart isn’t just staying at South Carolina—he’s planting a flag. And as he prepares for what could be a dominant season, he’s already proven that he has the heart, the mindset, and the conviction to lead not just with his talent, but with his values.
And in today’s ever-evolving world of college football, that may just be the most valuable asset of all.
