South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart negotiating $1 million NIL package

Dylan Stewart has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the SEC as a true freshman. The former Five-Star Plus+ recruit has posted 5.5 sacks in seven games and is on track to break the South Carolina freshman record set by Jadeveon Clowney at eight.

But now with the transfer portal set to open in a month, South Carolina’s NIL collective Garnet Trust is opening negotiations with Stewart’s camp to ensure he is back in Columbia for his sophomore season. Negotiations are in the early stages but sources tell On3 that Dylan Stewart is expected to command $1 to $1.5 million on his second-year deal.

The State first reported Thursday morning that Stewart is expected to land a seven-figure NIL package. On3 reached out to Stewart’s representative, Equity Sports, for comment. On3 also requested comment from the Garnet Trust.

The Garnet Trust and Equity are still working through how the agreement will be paid out, with revenue sharing set to begin July 1, 2025. Schools will be allowed to share $20.5 million annually with athletes.

The No. 3 EDGE in the 2024 class was one of Shane Beamer’s top recruiting wins, edging out Georgia, Maryland, Miami and Ohio State. He’s part of a South Carolina defense that ranks No. 3 in the nation with 31 sacks this season.

“Stewart has lived up to his billing and then some since arriving at South Carolina,” GamecockCentral’s Chris Clark said. “Playing against some of the country’s best competition, he’s been a difference maker as a pass rusher and should only continue to get better.”

If Stewart lands unanimous Freshman All-American status, he’ll be the first South Carolina player since Clowney to earn the honor.

“Dylan Stewart is most promising true freshman pass rusher to come through college football in several years,” On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power said. “The combination of size, athleticism and bend make him one of the top young players and prospects in college football. The fact that Stewart’s talent and ability have coalesced into a game-changing player so quickly sets him apart.”