Walter Stewart

Biography

Walter Stewart begins his fifth season at the helm of the Bearcats’ defensive line in 2025. Stewart returned to UC as a coach after playing from 2008-12 as a defensive lineman. He was a team captain and second-team All-BIG EAST selection as a senior in 2012. He played in 43 games, went to four bowls, won four BIG EAST championships and totaled 185 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles. He ranks ninth in school history in career sacks and tied for second in forced fumbles. In his 11 years of coaching, he has mentored three All-Americans, two conference defensive players of the year, one conference player of the year and 16 all-conference selections. The 2025 season saw Corleone once again earn All-Big 12 accolades, even as he fought through injury, and a trip to the East-West Shrine Bowl. In 2024, Stewart played a key role in guiding Corleone to First Team All-Big 12 honors. Despite missing three months of the offseason due to blood clots, Corleone finished the season with 26 tackles, five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 11 games. In 2023, he guided Corleone and Jowon Briggs to all-conference honors in the Big 12. The duo combined for 12.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks. After the season, Briggs was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2024 NFL Draft. In 2022, Corleone collected Third Team AP All-America and consensus Freshman All-America honors. The Cincinnati native finished his redshirt freshman campaign as Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated defensive