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USC’s eye-catching signing day: The Trojans acquire 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart

USC’s eye-catching signing day: The Trojans acquire 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart

USC made a huge five-star appearance a few weeks ago when the Trojans changed quarterbacks Husan Long Street from Texas A&M. It just took a little longer for the Trojans to have the same impact on defense. USC pulled it off on signing day and arguably landed its top target on that side of the ball with the 5-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart.

The 1.90 meter tall, 110 kilogram lineman nicknamed “Thanos” is number 16 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking 2025 and is in the top 25 overall according to On3, ESPN and Rivals.

It’s been a long road to get to this point and as a defensive coach Eric Henderson deserves a lot of credit for not only believing that USC could go to New Orleans and get a star defender from the Southeast, but also for doing it against a strong offense LSU, Ohio State And Oregon.

Stewart took several unofficial visits to USC over the past year and a half and was on campus for his official visits when the Trojans defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This visit showcased all the opportunities Stewart would have during his career at USC. Ten days later, predictions began that Stewart would end up with the Trojans. But like any major contender, the leader had to fend off some late attacks, and LSU didn’t sit quietly in this fight.

Stewart began this recruiting process as the nation’s top overall prospect in the 2026 class and a likely addition to LSU’s class when it came time for him to commit. But Henderson pushed hard and the Trojans scored some timely victories with Stewart in attendance – from beating LSU in Las Vegas to beating Nebraska at home. In October, Stewart announced he would be transferring to the 2025 class, where he is still considered a 5-star prospect.

“My favorite thing about (USC) is that you have the opportunity to be coached by the best when you’re on the field,” Stewart told On3’s Steve Wiltfong when he made the reclassification decision and discussed his top schools . “Coach Henny does a great job with what he does. He has achieved results and continues his coaching.

“There are a lot of opportunities off the field. Gavin (Morris) is my buddy. He told me I was a star and he would turn me into a megastar off the field.

“They have a great marketing business course. That’s what I’m going to major in in college.”

His plan is to graduate this December and enroll early at USC.

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