South Carolina football head coach Shane Beamer provided positive injury updates regarding defensive lineman Dylan Stewart and offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak, according to statements made at the annual Birdies with Beamer tournament. Both players recently underwent doctor’s appointments and are progressing favorably as the Gamecocks approach the start of preseason camp.
Dylan Stewart Recovery Status and Preseason Outlook
Entering his junior season, Dylan Stewart is working his way back from a back injury that limited his production during the second half of the previous year, according to head coach Shane Beamer. Stewart played in 11 games last season, finishing with 33 tackles and 4.5 sacks, bringing his career totals to 56 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound edge rusher has maintained a dedicated rehabilitation schedule, arriving at the weight room by 6:45 a.m. for summer workouts. Beamer emphasized that the program prioritizes player health, ensuring Stewart will not return to the field until medical staff officially clear him.
Jacarrius Peak Progress Following Offseason Injury
Offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak is trending in the right direction after missing all of spring practice due to a knee injury sustained while playing basketball during a February team event, according to Shane Beamer. Peak, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound redshirt senior transfer from NC State, joined the Gamecocks this offseason after playing 38 games and making 32 starts over four seasons with the Wolfpack. He was ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal cycle by On3 prior to the injury.
Did You Know?
Jacarrius Peak logged more than 2,200 snaps during his career at NC State, making 14 starts at left tackle and 18 at right tackle before transferring to South Carolina.
Timeline and Upcoming Schedule for South Carolina Football
South Carolina opens preseason camp on Friday, August 7, just one week after the program’s recent updates. The 2026 regular season begins on September 5 against Kent State at Williams-Brice Stadium. Beamer stated that the team treats all opponents the same and will place Stewart and Peak on the field once they are fully cleared, rather than arbitrarily holding them out of specific matchups. The team’s SEC schedule opens on September 19 against Mississippi State, concluding a three-game homestand to start the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury sidelined Dylan Stewart?
Dylan Stewart played through a back injury during the second half of last season and has spent the summer months rehabilitating under team supervision.
How did Jacarrius Peak get injured?
Jacarrius Peak injured his knee playing basketball during a team event in February shortly after transferring to South Carolina from NC State.
When does South Carolina start the 2026 football season?
The Gamecocks open the 2026 season on September 5 against Kent State at Williams-Brice Stadium.
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