Jahkeem Stewart Decides on College on National Signing Day | Preparatory sports

Five-star rated defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart announced USC as his college choice during a National Signing Day ceremony Wednesday at Edna Karr High School.

The former St. Augustine star is listed by Rivals as the best player in the country at his position for the 2025 signing class.

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Stewart had received offers from several of the top college football programs across the country and had LSU, Ohio State, Oregon and Southern Cal listed among the most likely destinations.

The New Orleans resident was previously listed as a 2026 high school graduate, but was reclassified at the start of the school year, allowing him to complete high school in two and a half years and enroll at his chosen college in January.

Stewart, 17, played one season of varsity football during his time at St. Augustine. The All-District selection finished his sophomore season with 85 tackles, 33 for loss and 20 sacks.

Stewart remained at St. Augustine throughout the summer, participating in a scrimmage against Destrehan and a jamboree against Shaw, but withdrew from school before the first week of play.

After deciding to transfer to the 2025 signing class, Stewart left St. Augustine because the school wouldn’t let him graduate early. He enrolled at Karr so he could meet graduation requirements to start college in January.

During his time at Karr, Stewart did not join the football team, which finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in Class 5A and will play a state semifinal this Friday against defending state champion Catholic-Baton Rouge.