Potential LSU football transfer target returns to current school

When LSU football hired former South Carolina defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas, many hoped it would lead the Gamecocks’ star edge rusher, Dylan Stewart, to follow him to Baton Rouge.

Stewart has been exceptional in his first two collegiate seasons, amassing 88 pressures, 12 sacks, and 22.5 tackles for loss over that stretch. Stewart transferring to LSU to join Blake Baker’s already talented defense could make it the best unit in the country.

Those hopes have been quickly squashed, however. On3’s Pete Nakos reports that Stewart’s deal is finalized for his 2026 return, meaning Stewart will remain in Columbia next season—potentially the last of his collegiate career.

LSU still has several great options beyond Stewart. Sophomore edge rusher Gabriel Reliford had a solid start to his 2025 season before tearing his rotator cuff against Southeastern Louisiana. Provided he regains full health ahead of the 2026 season, Reliford is expected to have a productive junior season.

There’s also four-star edge rusher Trenton Henderson, whom the Tigers signed in early December. Henderson is the eighth-best edge rusher in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings. He's expected to take some time to develop, but don’t be surprised to see him make an impact next season.

Several talented edge rushers have already announced they’ll enter the NCAA transfer portal, and more are sure to follow as opening day nears. Lane Kiffin and his staff have traditionally done a great job of recruiting players through the portal, so don’t be surprised to see LSU bring in competition through that route as well.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Potential LSU football target Dylan Stewart stays with South Carolina