Lane Kiffin’s first offseason at LSU has already been full of intrigue, and one of the more intriguing storylines just hit a wall. When reports surfaced that Kiffin was targeting South Carolina’s Sterling Lucas to be LSU’s next defensive line coach, the buzz wasn’t just about the coach-it was about the potential ripple effect. Specifically, Tiger fans were dreaming big: could Lucas bring star EDGE Dylan Stewart with him to Baton Rouge?
That dream officially ended Tuesday.
Dylan Stewart, one of the most dynamic young pass-rushers in college football, announced he’s staying put in Columbia for another season. It’s a massive win for South Carolina-and a tough blow for LSU fans who were envisioning Stewart in purple and gold, terrorizing SEC quarterbacks in Death Valley.
Let’s be clear: Stewart isn’t just a good player. He’s a game-changer.
A former five-star recruit and the No. 17 overall prospect in the 2024 class (No. 3 among EDGE rushers), Stewart has lived up to the hype and then some. As a true freshman, he racked up 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, earning Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC honors.
He followed that up in 2025 with 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, good enough to earn All-SEC recognition once again.
In two seasons, Stewart has started 22 games and appeared in 24, totaling 56 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles. Those are the kind of numbers that don’t just show up on stat sheets-they change games and tilt game plans. His return gives Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks one of the premier defensive talents in the SEC for another year.
From LSU’s perspective, the sting of missing out on Stewart is softened-at least a little-by officially bringing Lucas on board. Kiffin retained defensive coordinator Blake Baker last month, and now adds a defensive line coach with a strong track record of developing elite edge talent. Lucas spent the last four seasons at South Carolina, most recently serving as the Gamecocks’ defensive ends/outside linebackers coach and run game coordinator.
Under his guidance, South Carolina’s defense notched 41 sacks last season-tied for 10th-most in the country. That’s not a fluke. Lucas has coached a pair of All-SEC EDGE defenders in back-to-back seasons, and his units consistently bring pressure off the edge.
For LSU, the hire of Lucas is a long-term investment in defensive dominance. While Stewart won’t be part of the package, the Tigers are betting that Lucas can develop the next wave of elite pass-rushers in Baton Rouge. And if his track record is any indication, there’s reason to believe that bet could pay off.
Still, it’s hard not to imagine what could’ve been. Stewart’s explosive first step, relentless motor, and knack for creating chaos in the backfield would’ve been a perfect fit in Baker’s aggressive scheme. But college football is built on what’s next, and for LSU, that means building around the pieces they do have-and giving Lucas the tools to mold another All-SEC force off the edge.
Dylan Stewart may be staying in Columbia, but LSU’s defensive future under Kiffin and Lucas is just getting started.