⚡ CFB Dashboard

South Carolina entered 2026 with a defensive line that had to potential to be among the SEC's stronger units, along the edge and interior. September isn't even finished and the group has already started to thin out. An indefinite suspension for Dylan Stewart means he'll definitely be out for the Kentucky game this weekend at Williams-Brice Stadium. It sounds like Kelby Collins won't be playing anytime soon, after sustaining an injury to his eye and face in the loss to Alabama. Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy didn't make the trip to Tuscaloosa, because of an upper body injury that forced him to exit early in the Mississippi State game, and it's unclear how much more time he might miss. Stewart, of course, missed the first two games because of the back injury that limited him down the stretch last season. He was limited throughout the offseason before getting back onto the field in Week 3 against the Bulldogs. Anthony Addison (121), Julian Walker (118) and Caleb Herring (117) have played a majority of the defensive end snaps so far this season, though Collins has lined up for a handful, in addition to his duties inside at tackle. Stewart was on the field for 29 plays at Alabama, after playing 14 in the week prior. If he doesn't line up for another snap at South Carolina, he'll finish the season with just one tackle. What's also pretty darn discouraging: Herring hasn't done much more than him so far this season. The Tennessee transfer has just three tackles, though he is second on the team with six quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. Stewart has five. It's probably safe to say they're the highest paid defensive ends on the Gamecocks roster this season, so we'll assume it has not been a great return on investment. And that seems to be trending in other areas on the roster, not just this one position. Addison, a sophomore, has been one of the handful of bright spots so far this season. Walker's definitely made some splash plays during his freshman campaign as well. But in a much more ideal world, those guys are complimenting Stewart and Herring, not doing the heavy lifting. And it doesn't look like their loads are going to get any lighter. There was going to be a heavy rotation of players along the interior once the season began. Between Brownlow-Dindy and Collins, the Gamecocks opened September with a nice mix of returning and first-year players. Tomiwa Durojaiye has been arguably the best player on the entire team. His 156 total snaps are tops among all defensive linemen, inside and out. Freshman Noah Clark (89) is second among the tackles, though the injuries to Brownlow-Dindy and Collins are big reasons why. Troy Pikes (60) continues to occupy a rotational spot. Jordan Thomas (30) continues to see his workload increase. Brownlow-Dindy and Collins were off to nice starts before their respective injuries. Late last week, coach Shane Beamer said they were hopeful that Brownlow-Dindy would be ready to face the Crimson Tide, so maybe he's back sooner than later. Freshman Aiden Harris made the trip to Tuscaloosa and got on the field for four snaps. He's played 19 through three games. He would probably be next man up against Kentucky if Brownlow-Dindy and Collins are out. Drew Collins, Jaquavious Dodd and George Wilson all traveled to Alabama. None have been on the field for more than 30 snaps at defensive end. Eight games remain on the schedule, including seven-straight SEC contests. Kentucky's up next this Saturday at 4:15.