Stewart and Kilgore Named to AP All-America Teams

University of South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart was named to the Associated Press preseason first-team All-America squad while defensive back Jalon Kilgore earned a spot on the AP’s second-team unit, it was announced today.

Stewart, a 6-5, 245-pounder from Washington, D.C. earned FWAA Freshman All-America honors last season after recording 10.5 tackles for loss including 6.5 sacks in his first season with the Garnet & Black. He was also a finalist for the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year award and was a member of the SEC All-Freshman team in 2024.

Kilgore, a 6-1, 211-pound junior, collected 48 tackles last season from his Nickel position. The Eatonton, Ga. product tied for the SEC lead and for fourth in the country with five interceptions, matching Jaylen Foster’s 2021 total for the most by a Gamecock in the last 20 years. He was also credited with five pass breakups.

Stewart, Kilgore and the Gamecocks will open the 2025 season in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 31, when they face the Virginia Tech Hokies out of the ACC. Game time is set for 3 pm and the game will be televised nationally on ESPN.