South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart Has Three Word Response to Making EA Sports History

In an era where the intersection of sports and digital media is more dynamic than ever, milestones are often reached not only on the field but in the realm of technology, representation, and fan engagement. For South Carolina freshman edge rusher Dylan Stewart, that milestone came early in his college career — and it made history. Selected to appear in EA Sports’ highly anticipated return of its college football video game franchise, Stewart became one of the first active college athletes to be officially featured in the game. His three-word response summed it up perfectly: “Dreams come true.”

While the words were simple, the weight behind them resonated with thousands of fans and athletes alike. The moment was about more than just digital likeness or video game graphics — it was about the realization of a lifelong dream, recognition of hard work, and a new era of opportunity for college athletes.

The Return of EA Sports College Football

For context, EA Sports College Football is one of the most beloved sports video game franchises of all time. It was discontinued in 2013 due to legal complications around player likenesses and the NCAA’s rules at the time. But with the evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules and the NCAA’s shift in policy, the franchise is making a long-awaited return.

The reboot of EA Sports College Football is expected to launch with unprecedented realism, including authentic player models, uniforms, stadiums, and — most importantly — actual college athletes.

Among thousands of student-athletes, only a select few are being featured in promotional content and early gameplay reveals. Dylan Stewart, a five-star recruit from Washington, D.C., and one of the most promising defensive talents in the country, was chosen to be among them.

Why Dylan Stewart?

Dylan Stewart didn’t just earn his spot in the game because of hype. The South Carolina coaching staff saw something special in him early — relentless athleticism, a sharp football IQ, and a motor that never stopped. As a standout at Friendship Collegiate Academy, Stewart was one of the most sought-after prospects in the class of 2024.

When he committed to South Carolina, it was seen as a major recruiting win for Shane Beamer’s program. Stewart chose the Gamecocks over powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, citing his connection to the coaching staff and a desire to be part of something transformational in Columbia.

Now, before even taking a regular-season collegiate snap, Stewart is already making waves — not just with his talent, but with his presence in pop culture and sports media.

The EA Sports Announcement

The announcement came via social media, where EA Sports posted a preview of Stewart’s in-game model — decked out in full Gamecock gear, emerging from the tunnel with thousands of virtual fans cheering. It was a cinematic moment, carefully designed to drum up excitement, but also one steeped in symbolic meaning.

For many fans, it marked the return of a beloved video game. For Stewart, it marked a point where dreams and reality merged.

Shortly after the announcement, Stewart posted on his personal social media:
“Dreams come true.”

Those three words captured a journey that began on local fields in D.C., through countless hours of training, camps, pressure, and expectation — culminating in a moment of national recognition.

Representation Matters: A New Era for College Athletes

Stewart’s inclusion in EA Sports College Football is emblematic of a broader shift in college athletics. For years, student-athletes contributed to multi-billion-dollar industries without the ability to profit from their name or likeness. The NCAA’s move to embrace NIL deals has transformed the landscape, giving players a chance to benefit from their brand and impact.

For Stewart, being featured in a video game is not only a personal achievement, it’s a symbol of empowerment.

“You grow up playing these games, creating your own player, dreaming about seeing yourself in one,” Stewart said in an interview following the announcement. “Now it’s real. It means something to every kid watching who thinks, ‘That could be me one day.’”

And for a young Black athlete from D.C., it means visibility in an industry that has historically lacked representation at the decision-making level. Stewart now joins a select group of athletes who are shaping how the next generation of players is seen, marketed, and remembered.

The Road to the SEC

Though he’s only a freshman, Stewart has already impressed during spring practices and early team workouts. Coaches rave about his strength, explosiveness, and maturity — traits not always present in first-year players. There’s even talk that he could be in the defensive rotation as early as Week 1.

Defensive coordinator Clayton White noted, “Dylan came in hungry. He’s asking the right questions, staying late in film sessions, and bringing energy every single day.”

For Stewart, his goals are bigger than video game fame. He wants to help South Carolina contend for SEC titles and be known as one of the best pass rushers in the country. But he also understands the cultural power of his platform.

“I want to dominate on the field, no doubt,” he said. “But I also want to show that we, as college athletes, have voices. We’re more than players — we’re role models, entrepreneurs, leaders.”

NIL and Branding: The Business Side of Stardom

Stewart’s involvement with EA Sports is just one example of how top college athletes are now leveraging their brand. Through the NCAA’s NIL framework, Stewart can now partner with companies, earn revenue from appearances, and engage with fans in a way that was previously off-limits.

He’s already fielded interest from athletic apparel brands, nutrition companies, and lifestyle sponsors. But Stewart remains grounded in his priorities — focusing on academics, team goals, and long-term development.

“I have a great support system,” he said. “My family, my coaches, and South Carolina’s NIL team have helped me stay focused. The business part is exciting, but football comes first.”

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

The fan response to Stewart’s EA Sports moment has been overwhelmingly positive. South Carolina fans flooded social media with congratulatory messages, while national outlets highlighted him as a face of the game’s return.

More broadly, the moment resonated with the college football community. In an age where players are beginning to shape their own narratives, Stewart’s moment felt like a landmark — a sign of how far the sport has come, and how much farther it can go.

Longtime fans of the EA Sports franchise see Stewart as a fitting face for a new generation. He’s not just a five-star recruit — he’s the symbol of a new collegiate athlete: talented, marketable, and empowered.

Looking Ahead: Stewart’s Legacy in the Making

Dylan Stewart’s journey is just beginning. With years of eligibility ahead of him, he has the potential to be one of the most impactful players in South Carolina football history. His goals are ambitious: help the Gamecocks win championships, earn All-American honors, and eventually play on Sundays in the NFL.

But it’s clear that whatever path his playing career takes, his influence will extend beyond the gridiron. He’s already made history — not just by being in a video game, but by standing at the forefront of a cultural shift in college athletics.

For every young athlete playing EA Sports College Football next year and choosing to play as Dylan Stewart, his three words will echo in their minds: