The USC Trojans recognized a significant need for improvement on their defensive line after the 2024 season. Dealt a difficult hand with injuries and Bear Alexander sitting out due to a redshirt, the team struggled with both depth and experience throughout the year.
To address this, USC aggressively pursued talent during the winter transfer portal and the 2025 recruiting class, which featured five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart from Edna Karr (La.). Initially the top-ranked player in the 2026 recruitment cycle, Stewart reclassified in the fall and had a highly publicized recruitment in the 2025 cycle. USC made a compelling effort to secure Stewart and ultimately succeeded in signing the highly sought-after player over competitors such as in-state LSU, Oregon, and Ohio State.
During his sophomore year at St. Augustine, Stewart recorded 85 total tackles, with 33 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. He excelled at recruiting camps and chose a professional training regimen over the conventional recruiting route to prepare for the next level. His unique journey did not deter college coaches, as his impressive combination of size, strength, and speed made him hard to overlook.
USC coach Lincoln Riley expressed high regard for Stewart during his comments on the first day of the Early National Signing Period in December.
“Jahkeem is someone we targeted very early in the process, but the challenge was that so did many others,” Riley stated. “He’s a remarkable young man; we spent a lot of time with him, and he was able to visit LA several times throughout the process.”
That some freakin 5⭐️ effort from USC Freshman Defensive Lineman JAHKEEM STEWART ✌🏼
“He’s working his butt off” per a USC source @On3USC #DAWGWORK🐕 pic.twitter.com/iMMIECjL3d
— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) March 7, 2025
“Everyone recognizes his physical abilities and his length; he possesses a truly unique physical combination. However, I believe it’s Jahkeem’s mentality—his approach, confidence, and a really gritty, hardworking attitude—that truly sets him apart as an exceptional prospect and contributed to his dominance in high school.”
Stewart has been on college coaches’ radars since he received his first offer in middle school. His maturity and work ethic have consistently impressed those around him and have carried over into his brief time at USC. According to On3, Stewart has made a significant impression.
A year ago, the defensive line was a concern for USC, but now it has the potential to become a strength under defensive line coach Eric Henderson and defensive ends coach Shaun Nua.
Kentucky transfer Keeshawn Silver and Georgia transfer Jamaal Jarrett are ready to contribute immediately in the interior of the defensive line. The Trojans also welcome back Devan Thompkins, Kobe Pepe, and Jide Abasiri as defensive tackles. Kameryn Fountain is expected to make significant progress as a sophomore after displaying impressive potential during his freshman season at defensive end. Senior Anthony Lucas is returning after suffering a season-ending injury against Penn State on October 12.
Stewart is capable of playing both tackle and end, and the talented recruit from New Orleans has the potential to become a Freshman All-American in 2025.
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