Texas A&M Coach Confirms Shemar Stewart Will Not Return Amid NFL Dispute

In a definitive statement on July 17, 2025, Texas A&M University football coach Mike Elko addressed speculation surrounding rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart's potential return to college football, affirming that Stewart will remain with the Cincinnati Bengals amidst a contract dispute. Stewart, selected 17th overall in the NFL Draft, is currently the only first-round pick yet to sign a contract, leading to discussions about his future and eligibility.

Elko emphasized Stewart's commitment to the Bengals, stating, "There's no intentions of Shemar to play for the Aggies this year," during an interview with ESPN's Shae Cornette. He noted that while Stewart has been training in College Station with former teammates, he is focused on preparing for the upcoming NFL season. "He's very comfortable in our program. Really likes what we do training-wise," Elko added, wishing Stewart success in his professional career.

The speculation about Stewart's return arose earlier this week, with reports suggesting that he might consider utilizing his final year of NCAA eligibility. However, such a move would likely require legal action against the NCAA, complicating the situation further. A source close to Stewart mentioned that while a return to Texas A&M was a possibility, the preferred outcome was to resolve the contract issues with the Bengals and play this season.

Stewart's contract dispute centers around language that could impact future guaranteed money, which has kept him from participating in offseason workouts. In June, he expressed his frustrations, stating, "In my case, I'm 100% right. I'm not asking for anything [the team] hasn't been done before. But in [the team's] case, y'all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games, in my opinion."

As the Bengals' rookies prepare to report on Saturday, Stewart remains one of the two unsigned members of the team's draft class, alongside linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. The situation underscores the challenges faced by rookie players in negotiating contracts that align with their expectations while also meeting team requirements. The Bengals are expected to address these matters as training camp approaches, highlighting the ongoing complexities of player contracts in the NFL.

In conclusion, while the speculation about Shemar Stewart's return to Texas A&M has been put to rest, the focus now shifts to his contract negotiations with the Bengals, which will be crucial in determining his participation in the upcoming NFL season. The resolution of this issue will not only affect Stewart's career trajectory but also the Bengals' defensive lineup as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the competitive landscape of professional football.