Texas A&M coach Mike Elko was able to clarify Shemar Stewart’s presence in College Station while meeting with reporters on Thursday at SEC Media Days.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Stewart was working out in College Station and considering a return to the college game. Stewart was the 17th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, but is in the midst of a contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals and has yet to sign his deal with the club.
Elko confirmed Stewart has been using the team’s facilities to work out, but said it was nothing more than Stewart getting “NFL ready.”
Elko also went a step further and confirmed there’s “no truth” to the rumors that he was attempting to return to college football.
While some Bengals fans may be relieved that Stewart isn’t considering litigation to get back into the college game, his situation is far from resolved. Bengals rookies are supposed to report for training camp on July 19, but there’s no indication Stewart will be present without a signed contract.
As for Texas A&M, the Aggies are about 6 weeks away from the start of the 2025 season. Edge rushers TJ Searcy and Dayon Hayes were brought in via the transfer portal this offseason to help rebuild a defensive line that lost plenty of talent to the NFL this offseason.
Texas A&M will open the season with UTSA on Aug. 30.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
