Dylan Stewart is only eight games into his first year of college football at South Carolina. Although the freshman edge rusher’s time with the Gamecocks is less than one full year young, he is already negotiating a seven-figure NIL deal to ensure his future with the program extends beyond January.
Stewart is expected to receive financial compensation at, or north, of one million dollars.
Trying to explain this ongoing process to a college football fan, player or coach 10 years ago would be virtually impossible. Name, Image and Likeness completely removed the guise of amateurism from collegiate athletics because players are getting paid on what are, at their core, professional contracts.
Dylan Stewart is worth every penny!
Stewart, a five star recruit in the Class of 2024, was the second-ranked player at his position and a top-20 player overall. He committed to South Carolina over 34 other offers from the top programs in the country. It was a huge get for Shane Beamer and his staff.
The 19-year-old enrolled at the university back in January.
At 6-foot-6, 248 pounds, he immediately turned heads during the spring practice period and worked his way into the starting lineup over the summer. Stewart is crucial to the success of the defense with 16 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 2.0 forced fumbles through eight games.
South Carolina true freshman Dylan Stewart is already one of the best defenders in the country.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 3, 2024
Sensational blend of athleticism & bend at 6’6” 247 with a performance ceiling as lofty as any prospect in the next few classes. W10 v Texas A&M👇 pic.twitter.com/X49vLmRkFb
Beamer knows the Gamecocks cannot lose Stewart to the transfer portal during the upcoming offseason and authorized his affiliated staff to do whatever necessary to keep him in Columbia. The Garnet Trust is actively negotiating a new contract for next season.
According to multiple sources, including Jordan Kaye of The State, Stewart is expected to make no less than $1,000,000 in 2025 and up to $1,500,000. That would represent a significant pay raise from his less-than $500,000 salary in 2024.
Nothing has been signed at this point. Negotiations are ongoing.
However, this seven-figure deal will only reflect one additional season. It will not extend beyond next year. It will not cover the remainder of his college football career, which requires him to play at least two more seasons before he could enter the NFL Draft in 2027.
South Carolina and Dylan Stewart will need to go through this process again in 12 months!