Jakheem Stewart’s commitment to the USC Trojans is a monumental moment for the program, offering a glimmer of hope after a few tough weeks of recruiting
His decision to choose USC over other top programs signals that the Trojans are still very much a force in college football recruiting, and it provides fans with a renewed sense of optimism.
With Stewart on board, the Trojans are poised to build a championship-caliber defense that could set them apart in the years to come.
Jakheem Stewart’s journey to becoming a five-star defensive lineman has not been without its hurdles. From reclassifying to navigating eligibility issues, he has faced adversity head-on.
Yet, through it all, his natural talent and work ethic have kept him in the conversation as one of the top defensive recruits in the country. Now, with a commitment to USC and a bright future ahead, Stewart is poised to make a lasting impact on college football and eventually the NFL.
His story is one of perseverance, talent, and unwavering dedication, and the best is yet to come for this young defensive powerhouse.
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Jakheem Stewart’s Commitment to USC
A Major Boost for the Trojans
On Wednesday, Jakheem Stewart, a highly coveted defensive lineman from the 2025 recruiting class, announced his commitment to the USC Trojans as the early signing period officially began.1
Stewart’s decision is a significant moment for USC, as he was one of the few five-star recruits in the class to remain uncommitted leading up to the early signing period.
By securing his commitment, the Trojans have managed to fend off stiff competition from several top programs, including LSU, Oregon, and Ohio State.
For USC, this is not only a crucial addition to their defensive line but also a morale-boosting moment following a few challenging weeks in recruiting.
The 2026 Class that I’m putting together will go down in @uscfb History #FightOn✌🏾
If you’re not ready to put in work and grind don’t come out west. I know who the real ballers are. Those rankings don’t fool me. I know who’s who
— Jahkeem “THANOS” Stewart (@Jahkeem2026) December 5, 2024
USC’s Recruitment Struggles: A Rocky Few Weeks
In the weeks leading up to Stewart’s commitment, USC faced some tough blows in their recruitment efforts. The Trojans had to endure the loss of their top quarterback commit, a setback that left the fanbase anxious about the future of the program.
This loss of a key recruit cast a shadow over the early signing period, which traditionally marks the beginning of a college football team’s future roster. With the loss of such a high-profile commitment, many fans and analysts began to question whether USC could secure the necessary talent to maintain their competitive edge.
However, the Trojans’ fortunes turned with Stewart’s decision. His commitment provides a much-needed jolt of positivity to a recruiting class that had, at times, seemed to falter.
Stewart’s decision shows that Lincoln Riley’s program remains a top contender for some of the best talent in the country, despite recent challenges.
Jakheem Stewart: The Five-Star Defensive Lineman
Jakheem Stewart is widely regarded as one of the most talented defensive linemen in the 2025 class.2
Standing at 6’5″ and weighing around 290 pounds, Stewart possesses the physical tools and athleticism that make him a dominant force on the field. Known for his explosive first step, powerful hand placement, and ability to disrupt both the pass and run games, Stewart is expected to be a game-changer for USC’s defense.
The defensive line is often seen as the foundation of a strong defense, and Stewart’s addition provides the Trojans with a cornerstone piece for their defensive front.
His versatility allows him to play in multiple spots along the line, which will be a valuable asset in both rushing the passer and stopping the run. Stewart’s high ceiling as a player has drawn comparisons to some of the top defensive linemen in college football, and his potential to develop under USC’s coaching staff is immense.
The Recruiting Battle: Beating the Competition
- Securing Stewart’s commitment was no easy task for USC, especially considering the competition. LSU, Oregon, and Ohio State were all heavily involved in Stewart’s recruitment, and each program had its strengths to offer.
- LSU, known for its strong defensive tradition and pipeline to the NFL, presented a compelling case for Stewart.
- Oregon, with its fast-paced offense and growing reputation as a top contender in the Pac-12, also made a strong push. Ohio State, with its consistent success in the Big Ten and ability to develop elite defensive players, was another formidable rival.
- Despite these strong suitors, USC managed to land Stewart, thanks in large part to head coach Lincoln Riley’s efforts.
- Riley, who has built a reputation for success at Oklahoma and now at USC, played a key role in recruiting Stewart by emphasizing the program’s vision for success and how Stewart would fit into their defensive schemes.
- Additionally, USC’s proximity to Stewart’s home state of California and the program’s potential for national success under Riley’s leadership were likely significant factors in his decision.
A Renewed Sense of Confidence for USC Fans
USC fans, who have been understandably anxious after recent recruiting setbacks, now have a renewed sense of optimism following Stewart’s commitment.
The Trojans’ ability to land a top-five prospect like Stewart signals that the program is still capable of competing at the highest levels, even in the face of challenges.
This commitment helps to steady the ship for USC as they continue to build towards future seasons, especially with the upcoming transition to the Big Ten Conference.
In addition to providing a boost to the recruiting class, Stewart’s commitment should inspire confidence in the USC coaching staff. Riley and his team have shown that they can recruit at an elite level, and landing a talent like Stewart proves that they can still win battles for top-tier recruits, despite the recent setbacks.
Jakheem Stewart: The Impact on USC’s Defense
Defensive line play has been a point of focus for USC in recent years, and Stewart’s commitment is a crucial step in bolstering the Trojans’ defensive front.3
For a program that has often been known for its explosive offense, securing high-level defensive talent has become a priority for Riley and his staff. Stewart, with his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, gives USC a dynamic playmaker who can immediately contribute to the defensive line rotation.
As USC transitions to the Big Ten, where physicality and dominant defensive play are critical, adding Stewart to the defensive line is a significant move.
His presence will help USC compete against the powerhouses of the Big Ten, such as Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State, who are known for their strong offensive lines. With Stewart in the fold, the Trojans will have a much-needed presence in the trenches as they prepare for a more physically demanding conference.
What’s Next for USC’s Recruiting Class?
While Stewart’s commitment is a huge victory for USC, the Trojans are not done yet. The early signing period marks just the beginning of the recruiting cycle, and there are still several key recruits on the board for USC.
Stewart’s commitment may help the Trojans gain momentum as they look to secure other elite prospects, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
USC will likely continue to prioritize defense in the coming weeks, looking to add more impact players to the roster.
Additionally, with the quarterback position still a focus for the Trojans following the loss of their top commit, USC will work to secure a signal-caller who can lead the offense in the coming years.
Riley’s reputation as a quarterback guru could play a key role in landing a high-profile quarterback to complement Stewart and the rest of the talented recruits USC is bringing in.
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Who is Jakheem Stewart?
Jakheem Stewart is a highly touted five-star defensive lineman who is quickly making a name for himself in the world of college football.
Hailing from Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, Stewart is a 6-foot-5, 290-pound powerhouse with immense potential. Ranked as the No. 3 defensive lineman in the 2025 recruiting class by 247Sports, Stewart’s journey to the top has been a challenging one.
Despite not playing in a competitive football game for nearly a year, his combination of size, athleticism, and raw potential has made him one of the most sought-after prospects for college programs across the country.
Early Life and Background
Jakheem Stewart grew up in New Orleans, where he attended Edna Karr High School, one of the city’s premier football programs.
From an early age, Stewart showcased his remarkable athletic ability, catching the attention of scouts and recruiters.
His physicality, combined with his speed and agility, made him stand out among his peers, and he quickly became a dominant force on the defensive line.
His height and weight – at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds – made him an intimidating presence, and his ability to move with surprising quickness for a player of his size made him a nightmare for offensive lines.
Jakheem Stewart: Reclassification Decision
Originally part of the 2026 recruiting class, Stewart’s decision to reclassify to 2025 was a pivotal moment in his career.
His reclassification followed a period of intense scrutiny after a ruling by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) that rendered him ineligible to play in his senior season due to an in-season transfer.
This ruling sidelined him for the majority of the season, forcing him to take a different path to prepare for his future in football.
While the setback was significant, it also gave Stewart the opportunity to focus on improving his physical fitness and training in a more controlled, professional setting.
Without the pressures of high school football, Stewart could work directly with top trainers to refine his skills, build strength, and stay ready for the next phase of his football career.
Jakheem Stewart: Workout
Jakheem Stewart shared his hard workout videos on his instagram account to motivate his followers.
View this post on Instagram
Overcoming Adversity
- Despite the challenges Stewart faced, he continued to receive high praise from recruiting services and coaches.
- Being ruled ineligible by the LHSAA for a portion of his high school career could have derailed his momentum, but Stewart used this time to focus on his development.
- 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks, who has closely followed Stewart’s progression, describes him as an “enormous-framed front-line defender with impressive linear athleticism and growth potential.”
- Even though Stewart was not actively competing on the field, his potential remained undeniable. His physical attributes, work ethic, and future growth made him a valuable commodity in the eyes of college scouts and coaching staffs, who see him as a future NFL prospect.
- Despite the challenges Stewart faced, his future remains bright, and his decision to commit to the University of Southern California (USC) solidified his standing as one of the top defensive recruits in the nation.
- USC, known for producing top-tier NFL talent, made a major statement by securing Stewart’s commitment. Despite not having played a competitive game for nearly a year, the Trojans were willing to bet on his potential.
- Stewart’s commitment to USC is indicative of his high upside and the faith that coaches have in his ability to develop into a dominant player at the collegiate level.
- USC’s defensive line coach and other members of the coaching staff have expressed confidence in Stewart’s ability to contribute to the team’s defense in the future. Fans and analysts alike expect Stewart to make an immediate impact once he steps onto the field.
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