Sidney Stewart changes jersey number, edge trio's early nickname, talks Marathon Deli

Ahmed Ghafir
2 minutes ago
2 min read

After a record-setting season, Maryland sophomore edge rusher Sidney Stewart will wear a new number in 2026.

Stewart has switched from 29 to 11 for his sophomore season after finalizing his return to College Park last month. Stewart became the final piece of the puzzle for Maryland after solidifying his return alongside quarterback Malik Washington and edge rusher Zahir Mathis, who Stewart said was a big influence in his decision to return in 2026.

Now, Stewart will look to build off a freshman season that landed him on the 2025 FWW Freshman and On3 All-American Team after posting a team-high seven sacks, while his 10.5 TFLs surpassed the 1979 record for most by a Maryland freshman. He started in all but one game and led all Power Four freshmen in sacks after recording at least 0.5 sacks in eight of his 12 appearances.

Heading into his second season, Stewart won't be the only piece with Mathis set to return while the unit adds freshman Zion Elee, who became the program's highest-ever signee after making his year-long verbal commitment official during the December signing period.

While fans look ahead to watching the trio in action and how they'll be deployed in what should be a strong defense in 2026, there's also an early nickname for the trio of pass rushers: Cerberus.

"It's the three-headed Greek dog, the dog of Hades," Stewart told IBG this week.

Stewart also promoted a new NIL sponsorship with Lidl US on Saturday, becoming the latest local business to partner with the sack monster, following suit after Marathon Deli, College Park's best restaurant since 1972, made the Concordia Prep the first Maryland athlete signed to an NIL deal.

"Well one, I actually eat there and two, I love the Soldatos family so I think Marathon, great spot, right on campus. It's not like some random, like this is a real campus spot where real students eat at. I thought it was really cool to be able to work with Marathon. I'm friends with the owner's son, I think their food is great. We worked it out to something cool, like my performance had a direct impact on the price of the sandwich. I just thought it was a really cool experience to have my own sandwich at a restaurant. Shoutout Marathon."

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