COLUMBIA - Last season, the Gamecocks faced challenges that were more team-wide than isolated. A significant factor was the absence of a complete 1-2 punch at edge rusher.
Dylan Stewart, as talented as he is, couldn't single-handedly disrupt offenses, especially while dealing with injuries in a league where holding calls are rare. Just like Kyle Kennard needed Stewart's support to clinch the Nagurski Trophy in 2024, Stewart needed a partner in crime.
Fast forward to 2026, and USC has been on a mission to bolster the other side of their defense. But the early days of spring practice have been a bit of a waiting game, with several key players yet to make their presence felt.
USC defensive coordinator Clayton White remains optimistic. "I think we’re going to get some guys back.
We may need to find another player or two, but we’re focused on moving forward," White said. "We know what needs to be done, roster-wise."
Stewart, along with Jaquavious Dodd, George Wilson, and Kobby Sakyi-Prah, is limited this spring. Stewart is recovering from offseason surgery after enduring a back injury in 2024. Wilson and Sakyi-Prah are also on the mend from knee injuries that sidelined them last season.
New faces like Drew Collins and Caleb Herring have joined through the transfer portal, while Anthony Addison remains a familiar presence. The recruitment of Julian Walker, a standout from Dutch Fork, adds another layer of potential.
This group has the makings of something special. The question is, who will step up as Stewart's counterpart in the edge-rush duo?
White is confident the answer will emerge, though it's early days. The Gamecocks boast the deepest inside defensive line they've had under White, but no one has yet been asked to slim down for a potential shift to end.
“It’s about management right now. Some guys need to bulk up to play tackle in this league,” White explained. “We have options if needed.”
For now, the focus is on recovery and readiness. Stewart, while a proven asset, needs support from the other side. Will Walker make an immediate impact, or will the transfers rise to the occasion?
The Gamecocks are poised to make their edge rush a formidable force once again. First, they just need to get everyone back to full strength.