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Special: Stewart and Barnes

December 24, 2025·21 min·2 clips

Dion Barnes has coached 11 NFL players in six years, a track record that likely convinced Dylan Stewart to stay at South Carolina.

Host JC Sherbert breaks two major stories for South Carolina football: star defensive end Dylan Stewart is returning for his final season instead of entering the NFL draft or transfer portal, and the program has hired Dion Barnes from Penn State to replace defensive line coach Sterling Lucas. The episode analyzes how Barnes' track record of developing NFL talent likely influenced Stewart's decision and what it means for the program's future.

As heard by us

A candid Gamecock update that frames Dylan Stewart's return as both a win and a sign of program stability.

This Gamecock update lands on the good news first: Dylan Stewart is coming back after a stretch when his status was unsettled. It also puts that choice in context, pointing to the recruiting relationships, NIL support, and coaching continuity around the program, especially with…

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Want the real backstory on Stewart staying and Barnes arriving?

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