South Carolina and the SEC announced a joint one-game suspension for Dylan Stewart due to his actions during Saturday's 49-18 loss to Alabama.
Stewart was initially suspended indefinitely by head coach Shane Beamer on Sunday.
The 21-year-old edge rusher punched Crimson Tide tight end Josh Ford in the helmet after a touchdown run.
"Dylan Stewart's egregious contact reflects behavior that is unacceptable and not aligned with the standards of the Southeastern Conference," SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement.
"Such action against an opponent carries a serious risk of injury and has no place in our conference competition. This suspension is appropriate, and any future misconduct by Dylan Stewart will result in more severe disciplinary action."
Stewart also seemingly refused to come off the field for a substitution during the game. Beamer was also seen yelling at Stewart earlier in the contest after a late hit on quarterback Keelon Russell that extended an Alabama drive.
Stewart missed the first two games of the season due to injury but returned Sept. 19 against Mississippi State. He's recorded one tackle in two contests this year.
Stewart is considered one of the top prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft. He's recorded 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in 26 career games with the Gamecocks. His 94 pressures rank 11th in FBS since 2024 among 390 qualified pass-rushers, according to TruMedia.
South Carolina will face off against Kentucky on Saturday.
