There’s growing debate about whether Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart is being overvalued, given his potential versus actual performance.

In the world of college football recruiting, a player’s potential often gets as much attention as their actual performance. For Shemar Stewart, a highly touted defensive lineman for the Texas A&M Aggies, the question of whether he is being overvalued has become a topic of increasing debate. As one of the top recruits in his class, Stewart has undoubtedly shown flashes of brilliance, but the expectations placed on him have led to scrutiny about whether his potential justifies the hype.

In this article, we will delve deep into the conversation surrounding Shemar Stewart’s career, examining the expectations that were placed on him as a recruit, his development at Texas A&M, and whether his performance on the field has matched the enormous promise he brought to College Station. We’ll also consider how his trajectory fits into the broader narrative of college football’s rising stars and what his future could look like.

The Recruitment and Hype Around Shemar Stewart

When Shemar Stewart committed to Texas A&M in the 2022 recruiting cycle, he was heralded as a top-10 recruit nationally and the No. 1 defensive lineman in his class. The accolades were almost endless. Stewart was an impressive physical specimen—standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 290 pounds, he boasted the size, speed, and agility that NFL scouts crave in a defensive lineman. It’s easy to see why Stewart earned such lofty rankings: he’s a versatile player with a tremendous combination of strength and athleticism.

Coming out of Monsignor Pace High School in Miami, Florida, Stewart was widely seen as a future first-round NFL draft pick, with many projecting him to be a game-changer for whichever program landed him. Texas A&M, already gaining a reputation for assembling top-tier recruiting classes under head coach Jimbo Fisher, secured Stewart’s commitment early in the recruiting process. The Aggies’ defensive line was about to get a serious upgrade.

However, the hype surrounding Stewart didn’t stop with recruiting rankings. His arrival at Texas A&M came with high expectations—not only for his future at the program but also for his ability to immediately contribute and make an impact on the defensive line. Stewart was viewed as a potential program-defining player, a star who could anchor the Aggies’ defense for years to come.

Shemar Stewart’s Transition to College Football

It’s not uncommon for highly rated recruits to face challenges when transitioning from high school football to the college game. The speed and complexity of the game are drastically different, and for many players, it takes time to adjust. This was expected with Stewart as well, though many believed he would adjust quickly due to his physical gifts.

As a freshman in 2022, Stewart played in 12 games for the Aggies, earning a role as a key part of the defensive line rotation. His contributions were felt, but they weren’t necessarily game-changing. He finished the season with 27 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. These statistics, while solid, weren’t the eye-popping numbers many had expected from someone with such a high profile.

In fact, Stewart’s debut season was a bit of a mixed bag. There were moments when he flashed his potential, using his quickness and strength to disrupt opposing offenses. He demonstrated an ability to collapse the pocket and be a force against the run. But at times, Stewart looked more like a player still figuring out the nuances of college football, and this raised questions about whether he was living up to the immense hype.

Many observers had expected him to be an immediate star—perhaps even a player who would make an impact as a true freshman starter. But instead, Stewart found himself in a rotational role, splitting snaps with other defensive linemen. While this isn’t necessarily unusual for a freshman, it was somewhat surprising considering the hype he received as one of the best players in his class.

Is Stewart Living Up to the Hype?

The growing debate around whether Shemar Stewart is being overvalued centers on whether his performance has matched the expectations. Texas A&M fans and college football analysts alike have been critical of his development and production, questioning whether the hype around him was a bit too inflated.

Physical Tools vs. On-Field Production

There’s no denying Stewart’s physical attributes. His size, quickness, and strength are rare for someone his age, and those tools are still what make him a potentially elite defensive lineman. However, the gap between raw potential and consistent on-field production can often be vast, and that’s where the questions arise.

When you watch Stewart on the field, you can see glimpses of his potential. There are moments when he beats blockers with his strength or agility and gets pressure on the quarterback or disrupts running plays. But those moments have been sporadic, and he hasn’t consistently dominated at the level many expected.

As of now, Stewart has struggled with consistency, which has been one of the most common criticisms. For a player with his talent, showing flashes of greatness isn’t enough—it’s about putting together consistent performances week after week. While he certainly has the tools to be a dominant force on the defensive line, the reality is that his performances haven’t always reflected the top-tier expectations set by his recruitment rankings.

This isn’t to say that Stewart won’t eventually develop into a standout player—he certainly has the talent to do so—but there are questions about whether the trajectory he’s currently on will lead to the NFL stardom that was projected when he first arrived.

Comparing Stewart to Other Defensive Linemen

When we look at other highly ranked defensive linemen who have come into college football with similar hype, it’s hard to ignore the difference in production. For example, players like Jalen Carter (Georgia), Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama), and Myles Garrett (Texas A&M, but with an even more dominant college career) have shown early on that they are capable of being immediate game-changers in the trenches.

In contrast, Stewart has not yet shown the same level of dominance or impact in college. While every player develops at their own pace, it’s worth noting that many of Stewart’s peers from the 2022 recruiting class have already proven themselves to be forces in college football. The comparison is inevitable, and it raises valid concerns about whether Stewart is living up to the expectations of a top-10 overall recruit.

Coaching and Development at Texas A&M

The coaching staff at Texas A&M has faced its own challenges in recent years. Jimbo Fisher and his staff have consistently brought in elite talent, but the team has underperformed in many key areas, especially on offense. While the defense has generally been solid, the overall team struggles have perhaps contributed to Stewart’s inability to fully flourish.

It’s possible that Stewart’s development is hindered by the coaching environment. It’s no secret that college football programs rely heavily on solid coaching and player development to bring out the best in recruits. If Stewart isn’t receiving the proper guidance or if the team’s overall approach doesn’t fit his style of play, it could be limiting his potential.

Moreover, some analysts have pointed to scheme and fit as possible issues. Stewart is a versatile player, but Texas A&M’s defensive scheme may not always showcase his strengths in the most optimal way. Defensive linemen of Stewart’s size and ability tend to excel in systems that utilize their power and explosiveness, so if the Aggies aren’t fully leveraging his skills, it could explain why his impact hasn’t been as immediate as expected.

Is Stewart’s Future Still Bright?

While the current debate around Stewart revolves around whether he’s been overvalued, it’s important to note that his career is far from over. The potential is there, and it’s possible that as he gains more experience and matures as a player, he will begin to put it all together. Defensive linemen often take a little longer to fully develop compared to other positions, and the NFL draft scouts are well aware of this.

If Stewart can refine his technique, improve his consistency, and adjust to the college game, he could still become the dominant force many predicted him to be. He’s a young player with a high ceiling, and it’s likely that we’ll continue to see growth in his game.

The next few seasons will be crucial in determining whether Stewart can live up to the hype or if he’s destined to be one of the many highly recruited players whose career never reaches the level initially expected. For now, it’s too early to say that he’s been overvalued, but it’s equally clear that he has yet to fully meet the lofty expectations.