South Carolina star edge rusher Dylan Stewart received an indefinite suspension Saturday night after punching Alabama tight end Josh Ford and arguing with his own coaches. Head coach Shane Beamer announced the penalty Sunday morning following the Gamecocks’ defeat to the Crimson Tide. Stewart was penalized for striking Ford’s helmet during the game on September 27, 2026. The incident occurred as his team struggled against a top opponent in the SEC.
Beamer did not mince words about the behavior during his press conference. He stated, “That’s not how we do things around here,” per reports, according to the Daily Caller. The coach added, “I’m embarrassed to see that because that’s not what we’re about.” This suspension removes a projected top-10 NFL draft pick from the roster immediately. Stewart was a former freshman All-American and an All-SEC selection in his junior year.
THIS IS CRAZY: Projected Top-10 #NFL pick Dylan Stewart has been SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY from the team, said HC Shane Beamer.
Stewart has had multiple character concerns, including multiple times yesterday where he would refuse to sub out the game.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) September 27, 2026
The situation escalated beyond the initial hit. Reports indicate Stewart refused to sub out of the game multiple times yesterday. He argued with staff while his team was losing. This behavior drew sharp criticism from observers who noted the potential for injury. Punching a player wearing a polycarbonate helmet risks breaking hands and ending seasons.
Alabama tight end Josh Ford offered a surprisingly gracious reaction to the assault. He told reporters, “Man, he’s a great player. We had a lot of fun today. I think he punched me three times. But it was awesome, a good battle.” Ford appeared unfazed by the three strikes to his helmet. His comments were captured on video with an Alabama football backdrop.
Alabama TE Josh Ford on being punched by South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart:
“Man, he’s a great player. We had a lot of fun today. I think he punched me three times. But it was awesome, a good battle.” pic.twitter.com/zuUCyoHdwJ
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) September 27, 2026
While Ford moved on quickly, the South Carolina program faces a reckoning. The team must decide how to handle a player with generational wealth waiting in the NFL draft. Stewart has had character concerns recently beyond this single incident. He is now indefinitely suspended from team activities and future games.
Coaches and fans alike are questioning the endgame of such actions. Breaking a hand while your team gets thrashed serves no purpose. It destroys a beautiful opportunity that few ever get to reach. The loss of this talent hurts the team’s chances in the short term. It also damages the reputation of the program for years to come.
