Shemar Stewart Laughs Off ‘Stupid’ Texas A&M Return Rumors, Says He’s Focused on New Chapter and Not Looking Back
In the ever-volatile world of college football and player movement, speculation often runs rampant—especially when it involves a former five-star recruit and high-profile SEC departure like Shemar Stewart. But according to the defensive lineman himself, the recent swirl of rumors suggesting a return to Texas A&M is not only unfounded—it’s downright “stupid.”
In a candid moment with reporters during his first week at his new program, Stewart shut down the buzz with a chuckle and a message that left little room for ambiguity.
“People just need something to talk about. I’m not going back to College Station,” Stewart said, laughing. “That chapter is closed. I’ve moved on.”
From Star Recruit to Transfer Portal
Shemar Stewart was one of the crown jewels of Texas A&M’s much-hyped 2022 recruiting class—ranked by many as the top class in college football history. Coming out of Monsignor Pace High School in Miami, Stewart was a five-star edge rusher with NFL potential and the frame to dominate in the trenches.
He chose the Aggies over programs like Georgia and Miami, drawn to the promise of development under then-defensive coordinator Mike Elko and the allure of the SEC spotlight.
However, his tenure at Texas A&M didn’t go exactly as planned.
While Stewart flashed his talent on numerous occasions, the Aggies’ on-field struggles and coaching turnover—including the firing of Jimbo Fisher and the subsequent culture overhaul—impacted player morale and continuity.
“I don’t regret going to A&M,” Stewart explained. “I met some great people there, I learned a lot, but the environment changed. Sometimes you have to make a decision that’s best for your career and your peace.”
The Portal Move and New Beginnings
When Stewart entered the transfer portal following the 2024 season, speculation was immediate. Would he follow former staffers to Duke or Syracuse? Would he join Miami and return home to Florida? Or could there be a surprise SEC stay?
Eventually, Stewart committed to a program that offered what he called a “refreshing” new start with an “NFL-level culture.” Though he has yet to publicly name the school during early fall camp interviews, insiders believe he’s landed at an emerging Big Ten program that aggressively pursued top-tier defensive talent this offseason.
“The way they treated me—like a pro from day one—meant a lot,” Stewart said. “They laid out a real development plan, and it wasn’t just talk.”
That kind of clarity and structure, he says, was missing during his final year at A&M.
Return Rumors Spark Frenzy
Even with Stewart fully immersed in his new team’s camp schedule, social media lit up last week with speculation that he was considering a return to College Station. The rumor apparently stemmed from a vague tweet by a Texas A&M fan account, paired with a photo of Stewart working out in Aggie gear.
The account suggested that a “reunion” could be in the works between Stewart and new head coach Mike Elko, who returned to Texas A&M after a one-year stint at Duke.
Within hours, message boards and fan circles ran wild.
“It’s flattering, I guess,” Stewart said with a smirk. “But some folks just live on the internet. That’s not reality.”
Sources close to the situation confirmed that there was no communication between Stewart and Texas A&M after his transfer was finalized, and that both sides have amicably moved on.
Support from Former Teammates
Despite the buzz, Stewart maintains solid relationships with several players still on the Aggies’ roster. He says the support from his former teammates has been nothing but positive.
“Some of my brothers are still there. They know what I went through, and they’ve been rooting for me,” Stewart said. “We still talk—just not about football stuff.”
One of those teammates, standout linebacker Taurean York, even posted a photo of the two together with the caption: “Big bro always 💯, wherever you at.”
That bond, Stewart says, was the best part of his A&M experience.
“It wasn’t the wins or losses—it was the locker room. That’s the only thing I’ll ever miss.”
Eyes on the NFL
Now healthy, locked in, and hungry to prove doubters wrong, Stewart is focused on dominating his new conference and positioning himself for the 2026 NFL Draft.
“I’ve still got a lot to prove. And I plan to do that every snap,” he said. “I’m not worried about what people say—I know who I am.”
Scouts already project Stewart as a potential top-40 pick based on his frame (6’5″, 270 pounds), burst off the line, and versatility as both a 4-3 end and a 3-4 hybrid rusher. His new coaching staff is reportedly lining him up in multiple sets and schemes to take full advantage of his skill set.
“They’re letting me be aggressive, play fast, and trust my instincts,” Stewart noted. “That’s when I’m at my best.”
A&M Fans: Split Reactions
The Texas A&M fanbase, known for its passion and loyalty, has had mixed reactions to the Stewart rumors and his comments.
Some have expressed disappointment, viewing his departure as part of a troubling trend of high-profile exits that have affected the program’s momentum.
Others, however, understand Stewart’s position and wish him well.
“We don’t have to hate the kid. He gave us good games, good effort. Let him live,” one fan posted on the TexAgs forum.
Still, the idea of a star player laughing off the possibility of a return rubbed some Aggie diehards the wrong way.
“Calling the idea ‘stupid’ feels like a shot,” another user wrote. “We supported him.”
But Stewart insists it wasn’t meant as disrespect—just reality.
“Look, I keep it real. I don’t fake love. That’s all it was,” he said.
The Road Ahead
With fall camp ramping up and eyes on the season opener, Stewart is channeling all his energy into football—and proving that he’s more than just a headline or transfer storyline.
He’s determined to show that his name still belongs in the same breath as other elite defenders in the nation.
“I’m betting on myself. I always have. That hasn’t changed,” Stewart said.
As for Texas A&M?
“I hope they win games, seriously. But that’s not my business anymore,” he added.
In the transfer portal era, players like Shemar Stewart symbolize a new generation of athletes—ones who prioritize fit, development, and honesty over optics. His decision to leave Texas A&M wasn’t about bitterness or failure. It was about moving forward.
And in that journey, Stewart isn’t looking back—no matter what the rumor mill says.
So, while some may continue to speculate about a return to College Station, Shemar Stewart has made it clear: he’s focused on his new path, and he’s not interested in reruns.
