USC Secures 5-Star DE Commitment: Jahkeem Stewart

The University of Southern California (USC) made waves in college football recruiting on December 4, 2024, as they secured a commitment from five-star defensive end Jahkeem Stewart. Ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300, Stewart's decision was announced during a live ceremony broadcast on College Football Live, held at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans.

Who is Jahkeem Stewart?

Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing 290 pounds, Stewart is a versatile pass rusher capable of making an impact along the entire defensive line. Originally from Reserve, Louisiana, he has emerged as a standout player from a young age, showcasing his skills during his middle school years

His high school career began at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, where he amassed 85 total tackles (33 tackles for loss) and 20 sacks during his sophomore year. Despite his promising start, complications arose when Stewart was ruled ineligible to play in his junior season after transferring to Edna Karr. However, Stewart opted to reclassify for the 2025 cycle, thus forgoing his senior year and preparing to enroll early at USC in 2025, having played only 12 games of varsity football throughout his high school career.

“I feel as though if I go on campus now, I could take somebody's spot and go get three sacks, easy. I'm a competitor,” Stewart remarked, showcasing his self-confidence and determination in his abilities.

The Recruitment Process

Stewart's commitment to USC comes after a series of visits to other major programs, including Oregon, Ohio State, and LSU. He visited USC on November 16, cementing his choice as the Trojans' top-ranked recruit of their 2025 class, especially considering they had lost nine commitments from within the ESPN 300 during the cycle. His addition is a crucial win for USC, particularly in light of recent decommitments, including five-star quarterback Julian Lewis and five-star defensive lineman Justus Terry.

In the context of national rankings, Stewart is not only the second-ranked uncommitted prospect in the country but is considered the third-best defensive lineman overall. The competitive landscape for Stewart's commitment saw USC pulling ahead, with a 76.6% chance predicted by On3 against LSU and Oregon, who were also vying for his signature.

Impact on USC's 2025 Recruiting Class

Jahkeem Stewart's commitment strengthens USC's 2025 recruiting class, which already includes top-100 prospects such as quarterback Husan Longstreet (No. 47) and offensive tackle Aaron Dunn (No. 76). Alongside Stewart, other ESPN 300 defenders joining him include safety Kendarius Reddick (No. 102), linebacker Matai Tagoa’i (No. 159), cornerback Trestin Castro (No. 261), and Jadon Perlotte.

The Trojans have made significant strides in building a formidable defense with the inclusion of these recruits, which could potentially reshape their performance in the competitive landscape of college football.

Conclusion

As Jahkeem Stewart prepares to join USC, all eyes will be on his progression and impact as an early enrollee. The Trojans' persistence and strategic focus on defensive linemen not only demonstrate their commitment to building a solid foundation for their program but also signal a shift in their recruiting approach—one that emphasizes both local talent and elite national prospects.