Frustrations are mounting for South Carolina football. That includes star edge rusher Dylan Stewart.
Following Daniel Hill's 1-yard rushing touchdown that extended Alabama's lead to 42-18 late in the fourth quarter, Stewart punched Alabama tight end Josh Ford in the helmet in the end zone. Stewart wasn't ejected, but was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
ESPN rules analyst Jerry McGinn said Stewart should've been ejected for the punch, and was shocked he wasn't removed from the game.
"He should be ejected immediately," McGinn said on the broadcast. "Not even a question."
#Gamecock edge Dylan Stewart threw a punch... Announcers can't believe he
wasn't ejected pic.twitter.com/etyc3i6tUj
— Chaz R Frazier (@Chazf_tv) September 27, 2026
Stewart, a projected first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, was limited against Alabama, as he has been dealing with a back injury that has lingered from last season. The former five-star recruit was clearly frustrated after South Carolina allowed the touchdown, as shown on the ESPN broadcast once he was back on the sideline.
It's not the first bad look for Stewart on the night, either. The edge rusher was shown on the broadcast being chewed out by South Carolina coach Shane Beamer after a play, although Stewart never stopped walking while Beamer was screaming.
Stewart entered the game with 57 total tackles and 11 sacks through three college seasons, along with six forced fumbles. Things are trending down for South Carolina, which doesn't look much better, if at all, than it was last year after going 4-8 on the season. Those frustrations are seemingly moving onto its players, as well.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Carolina's Dylan Stewart punches Alabama player, isn't ejected
