Breaking News: Five-Star Defensive End Dylan Stewart Decommits from South Carolina, Chooses Arizona State Over Tennessee and Georgia
In a shocking turn of events, five-star defensive end Dylan Stewart, one of the top prospects in the nation for the 2025 recruiting class, has decommitted from the University of South Carolina and announced his commitment to Arizona State University.
This decision has sent ripples throughout the college football recruiting world, with major implications for both the programs involved and the future of Stewart’s football career.
Dylan Stewart, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive powerhouse from Washington, D.C., had previously committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the summer of 2024, citing the program’s vision for his development, strong coaching staff, and the opportunity to make an immediate impact in the Southeastern Conference.
However, after months of deliberation and conversations with his family and coaches, Stewart revealed he was reopening his recruitment.
His decision to flip from South Carolina to Arizona State marks a major shift in his recruitment, with Arizona State now emerging as the clear favorite to land one of the most coveted players in the class.
This move comes after a heated battle between several college football powerhouses for Stewart’s commitment.
Tennessee and Georgia were among the top contenders, with both programs making a strong push to sway Stewart in their direction.
However, Stewart’s decision to land with Arizona State has stunned many in the recruiting world.
The Sun Devils were not initially viewed as a frontrunner, but their consistent efforts, coaching staff, and the promise of early playing time ultimately won Stewart over.
A significant factor in Stewart’s decision appears to be the relationship he built with Arizona State’s coaching staff, especially defensive coordinator Brian Ward.
The Sun Devils have been on a recruiting hot streak recently, and the opportunity to play for a program with growing momentum and a revamped defense likely appealed to Stewart.
Additionally, Arizona State’s pitch to him involved the chance to play in a competitive conference like the Pac-12 while making an immediate impact, something that resonated with Stewart’s aspirations.
The loss of Stewart is a huge blow to South Carolina, which had hoped to build its defense around the highly-ranked prospect.
Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer and defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey had worked tirelessly to maintain Stewart’s commitment, but their efforts ultimately fell short.
South Carolina was not completely out of the picture in Stewart’s recruitment, but the door now seems to be closed.
Tennessee and Georgia, both of which had long been considered strong contenders for Stewart’s services, will now shift their focus elsewhere.
While Georgia’s success in recruiting elite defensive talent is well-documented, Tennessee’s pursuit of Stewart had been one of the most intense in the recruiting cycle, as head coach Josh Heupel seeks to continue building a dominant defense in Knoxville.
For Arizona State, Stewart’s commitment is a monumental victory. The Sun Devils, who have struggled in recent years to keep pace with the top programs in the Pac-12, now have a signature player to build their defense around.
Stewart’s elite pass-rushing ability, strong physicality, and impressive football IQ make him one of the most exciting players to enter the program in recent years.
Stewart’s decommitment from South Carolina and subsequent decision to choose Arizona State over traditional powerhouses Tennessee and Georgia marks the latest chapter in what is sure to be an exciting recruiting saga.
The impact of this commitment will undoubtedly reverberate throughout college football, with Stewart’s choice raising eyebrows and expectations for the future of Arizona State football.
As the recruiting cycle heats up, all eyes will be on how Arizona State maximizes this moment and whether Stewart’s decision will help them turn the corner in the competitive Pac-12.
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