The South Carolina Gamecocks fell 29-20 to the Missouri Tigers, extending their SEC losing streak and prompting fans to wonder if star Dylan Stewart might be considering his options.
What Happened After South Carolina’s Loss to Missouri?
According to a social media post from Jordan Kaye, “Shane Beamer just ran after Dylan Stewart, who was already walking in the tunnel to the locker room. Beamer tapped him on the back and told him to join the team for the alma mater.”
Shane Beamer just ran after Dylan Stewart, who was already walking in the tunnel to the locker room.
Beamer tapped him on the back and told him to join the team for the alma mater
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) September 21, 2025
The unusual scene has sparked speculation among fans about whether the sophomore edge rusher is considering his options. Stewart, who signed a lucrative NIL deal worth between $1 million and $1.5 million with The Garnet Trust in December 2024, previously turned down larger offers from other programs to stay at South Carolina.
The incident comes at a difficult time for Beamer’s program. South Carolina enters Week 5 with a disappointing 2-2 overall record and sits winless in SEC play at 0-2. The Gamecocks have struggled offensively, with just 20.9 efficiency in the SEC and ranking 113th nationally.
Against Missouri, the Gamecocks managed just 20 points while giving up over 200 rushing yards. The loss extended their conference losing streak and left them at the bottom of the SEC East.
Stewart remains the bright spot on defense with 17 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks through four games. His 9.2% pressure rate leads all SEC defenders, but even his elite production hasn’t been enough to lift the team.
How Are South Carolina Fans Reacting to Dylan Stewart’s Behavior?
The social media response to Stewart’s post-game behavior shows a fanbase expecting the worst.
One user suggested Stewart should “go ahead enter the portal and come to Knoxville and be part of something special in 2026 with the Great Rodney Garner where your talents will be utilized and appreciated.”
@Dylan1Stewart_ go ahead enter the portal and come to Knoxville and be part of something special in 2026 with the Great Rodney Garner where your talents will be utilized and appreciated.
— Volunteer Marine 1371! (@MarineVol1371) September 21, 2025
Another fan simply declared Stewart “Portal bound. $$”
Portal bound. $$
— David Revelle (@drev8079) September 21, 2025
A third user bluntly stated, “He gone lol” in response to the tunnel incident.
He gone lol
— GAME (@Game1altcenter) September 21, 2025
One fan wrote, “transfer portal incoming” while discussing Stewart’s situation.
transfer portal incoming
— Ashley Schaeffer Vol (@SchaefferVol) September 21, 2025
Another user commented, “Someone else can waste $3 million” regarding Stewart’s potential departure.
Someone else can waste $3 million
— (@TradingLong) September 21, 2025
The negative fan reactions show growing frustration with the program’s direction under Beamer. Despite his strong start as head coach, posting a 29-22 record through four seasons, this year’s struggles have shown cracks in the foundation.
For Stewart, the pressure mounts quickly. The sophomore still has two years of eligibility and has talked about reaching the College Football Playoff.
South Carolina faces Kentucky at home on Saturday, September 27, giving them a chance to snap their SEC losing streak and potentially ease transfer portal speculation.
