2026 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart transfers to New Orleans Edna Karr

Reserve (La.) five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart has enrolled at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, according to a report from GSportz’s Jeremiah Gray.

On3’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle, Stewart began his high school career at New Orleans St. Augustine, but reports circulated late last week that he was no longer enrolled at the school.

The 6-foot-5.5, 270-pounder now joins an Edna Karr program that ranks No. 4 in the state of Louisiana, per the On3 Massey Ratings. According to Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman, though, Stewart will be ineligible to play for the Cougars in 2024.

Since April, speculation has continued to swirl around a potential reclassification to the 2025 cycle for Stewart, the current top-ranked recruit and DL in the 2026 On300. While a timeline for a decision on reclassifying — or a potential commitment, for that matter — is yet to be locked in, Stewart is taking visits to multiple high-profile programs this fall.

In-state LSU is currently trending for his commitment, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. The likes of USC, Oregon, Texas, Alabama and Auburn have also had him on campus this year.

“It’s a big move if I really do it, just being a defensive lineman. I think it’s a smart decision but I think it’s not at the same time, because I’ve got to develop my body into really banging in the trenches 24-8 with the big offensive linemen,” Stewart said of potentially reclassifying when speaking with On3’s Phillip Dukes in the spring.

As a sophomore, Stewart racked up 85 tackles, including 33 for loss and a whopping 20 sacks. He cracked On3’s High School Football Preseason All-America Team ahead of the 2024 season and continues to draw praise as one of the top defensive prospects in the nation, regardless of class.

Edna Karr opened its 2024 season with a 48-21 win on the road over Archbishop Shaw last week. The Cougars will take on Opelousas this Friday.

Jahkeem Stewart Scouting Summary

On3 writes this of Stewart as a prospect:

“Physically-gifted defensive lineman with a high-end combination of twitch and technical ability at an early stage. Has a naturally big frame, measuring in at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds prior to his sophomore season. Has plus length for the position with arms that measure over 34 inches along with 10.75-inch hands. Put his name on the national radar with a number of impressive camp performances as a high school underclassman. Missed his freshman season due to a transfer. Has looked dominant in the camp setting. Flashes advanced technique despite his lack of varsity experience. Uses quick hands to easily disengage. Has a nasty straight arm that he uses to walk offensive linemen back to the quarterback. More of a straight line athlete who is at his best moving forward. Will need to improve his lateral agility as he has some stiffness when moving side to side. Will also need to transfer his skills on to Friday nights as he gets varsity experience.”