5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart arrives for official visit to USC
USC has a chance to make a big move in the recruitment of Reserve (La.) Edna Karr five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart this weekend.
The recently-reclassified Stewart has the Trojans in his final four programs, though the West Coast outfit hasn’t been mentioned as a true contender nearly as much as Ohio State, Oregon and LSU. With a decision expected during the Early Signing Period in just a few weeks, the clock is ticking on Stewart’s process.
On Friday night, Stewart arrived in Los Angeles to begin his official visit to USC — a school he’s gotten to see multiple times this year. Head coach Lincoln Riley, touted DL coach Eric Henderson and the rest of the Trojans’ staff have a mighty opportunity as they take on Nebraska on Saturday.
“Every official visit this weekend is huge for the recruit and the school, but none may be more important than USC getting Jahkeem Stewart back on campus,” On3’s Chad Simmons wrote earlier this week. “Stewart likes the vibe in Los Angeles, he knows about Eric Henderson‘s resume and USC will look to make a lasting impression in the coming days.”
Stewart has been all over the country all year long, including making a few stops to LA. After logging trips to see USC in the spring and summer, he’s now back in town for one of his most crucial visits yet. The potential to succeed on and off the field at USC has caught Stewart’s attention throughout his process.
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“He loves SC,” Stewart’s trainer and mentor Clyde Alexander from Edge Assassins recently told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “The opportunities they present for him with life after football, Jahkeem is one of those kids he really wants to be successful outside of football. USC is one of those places, there is a lot of different companies, Fortune 500 companies and a lot of opportunities in that Los Angeles area. Being able to connect and network in that realm are things that really attract him.”
Stewart is the No. 15 overall prospect, No. 3 DL and No. 1 player in Louisiana in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s currently one of just two uncommitted five-stars left in the cycle.
The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine still favors hometown LSU for Stewart, though the recent buzz has circulated more toward the Buckeyes and Ducks. Stewart has already logged OVs to Oregon and LSU this fall and will head to Columbus for his final OV with Ohio State at the end of November.
USC’s 2025 recruiting class currently ranks No. 14 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. As of Nov. 16, the class features a pair of pledges on the D-line in three-star Floyd Boucard and three-star Gus Cordova. Stewart would be the highest-ranked prospect in the class if he were to choose the Trojans.