Dylan Stewart Injury Update: Will South Carolina Star Return After Hip Flexor Scare vs Oklahoma?

South Carolina defensive star Dylan Stewart has been ruled out for the remainder of the Gamecocks’ Oct. 18 matchup against Oklahoma after suffering a hip flexor injury early in the game. The sophomore edge rusher left the field during the Sooners’ opening drive and was later seen heading to the locker room for evaluation.

Stewart briefly returned in the second quarter after icing his hip and testing it on the sideline bike. However, his return was short-lived — after just two plays, he went down again, clutching his hip and was officially declared out by the ESPN broadcast.

Stewart’s Injury: What Happened on the Field

The injury occurred on Oklahoma’s first offensive series when Stewart appeared to tweak his hip while pursuing the quarterback. Trainers immediately attended to him on the sideline, and he spent several minutes attempting to work through the discomfort before being escorted to the locker room.

Despite re-entering the game early in the second quarter, Stewart was clearly not at full strength. His second exit left South Carolina without its most disruptive pass rusher for the remainder of the contest.

The sophomore standout has been a cornerstone of the Gamecocks’ defense this season, registering 3.5 sacks and forcing two fumbles before Week 8. A former five-star recruit, Stewart broke out as a true freshman with 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, earning him preseason All-SEC and All-America honors in 2025.

How Stewart’s Absence Changed the Game

Stewart’s early departure had an immediate impact on South Carolina’s defensive performance. Without his edge-rushing presence, Oklahoma’s offense capitalized on longer pockets and converted early drives into scoring opportunities. The Sooners scored on their opening possession, exploiting the Gamecocks’ weakened pass rush and attacking the perimeter with more ease.

South Carolina’s defensive coordinator adjusted the scheme by rotating younger defensive ends and blitzing more frequently, but the loss of Stewart’s explosiveness and ability to draw double teams was evident throughout the game.

What It Means for South Carolina Going Forward

The severity of Stewart’s hip flexor injury remains unclear, and the team has yet to announce a timeline for his return. Hip flexor strains can vary significantly in recovery time, ranging from a few days for mild cases to several weeks for more severe injuries.

If Stewart is forced to miss extended time, South Carolina’s defensive unit will face challenges in maintaining pressure on opposing quarterbacks and generating turnovers. His absence could also influence the team’s postseason hopes as they navigate a tough SEC schedule.

Coaches and medical staff will monitor his progress closely in the coming days. Stewart’s recovery and availability for upcoming games could play a pivotal role in the Gamecocks’ ability to stay competitive in conference play.

Bottom line: Dylan Stewart’s injury is a significant blow to South Carolina’s defense. His status in the coming weeks will be crucial to the Gamecocks’ season outlook, and fans will be watching closely for updates as the team prepares for its next matchup.