Dylan Stewart plays against Florida after return to South Carolina practice

Update — October 10, 2026: South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart played against Florida on Saturday. ESPN’s final defensive box score credits him with five tackles, including four solo stops, one sack and one tackle for loss. His appearance settles the game-status question that remained open when this story was first published on October 6.

Stewart returned to practice Tuesday following his suspension. At that week’s news conference, coach Shane Beamer said he had not yet decided whether Stewart would play in Gainesville.

Stewart had been suspended indefinitely by South Carolina after multiple incidents during the September 26 loss at Alabama. ESPN reported that he punched an Alabama player and argued with coaches during the 49–18 game. The SEC and South Carolina jointly announced a one-game suspension following the incident.

He did not attend South Carolina’s October 3 loss to Kentucky, which ended 35–34. Tuesday’s return to team activities was his first since the Alabama game, according to SportsTalkSC’s account of Beamer’s news conference.

Beamer said he and Stewart had held conversations during the week and described the player as having learned and grown from the experience. At the time, the coach kept the decision about Florida participation open as the team prepared for the road trip.

Saturday’s box score now confirms Stewart’s on-field return. The earlier reports below document the suspension and his return to practice; the newly added final game record documents his participation against Florida.