5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart visits Ohio State for Nebraska victory

It wasn’t easy on Saturday afternoon in Columbus, but Ohio State got the job done and picked up a 21-17 win over Nebraska to improve to 6-1 on the season.

The Buckeyes had some important visitors on campus, headlined by Reserve (La.) Edna Karr five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart. The 6-foot-5.5, 270-pounder has the Big Ten powerhouse in his top four schools and got another look at what Ryan Day, Larry Johnson and Co. have to offer.

Two key 2025 recruiting visitors on campus for Ohio State today: Five-star defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart (@Jahkeem2026) and four-star offensive tackle Damola Ajidahun (@DamolaAjidahun). pic.twitter.com/K8khjHOsO8

— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) October 26, 2024

Saturday was the second time that Stewart saw the Buckeyes in action this season, as he was also in Eugene when they fell to Oregon — another one of his top schools. Stewart is expected to return to Columbus for an official visit at the end of November for The Game against Michigan to close out the regular season.

Entering the visit, On3’s Steve Wiltfong liked where the Buckeyes stood for the nation’s No. 2 uncommitted prospect in the 2025 cycle.

“An unofficial visit, I think that shows you how high Ohio State really is on (Stewart’s) list, as the Buckeyes battle Oregon, LSU and USC down the stretch for one of the most coveted players regardless of position in the country,” Wiltfong said on the ‘Wiltfong Whiparound’ earlier this week.

“Jahkeem Stewart loves college football, he sees himself playing in the biggest games…Ohio State are the ones playing in those games, they’re the ones who typically have the defensive linemen. He was at the Ohio State-Oregon game, I think those are the two programs who are in the best position for Stewart right now,” he said.

Stewart, who recently reclassified from the 2026 class, is planning visits to USC and LSU before returning to both Oregon and OSU once more. The five-star is eyeing a commitment during the Early Signing Period during the first week of December.

He is the No. 15 overall prospect and No. 3 DL in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked player in Louisiana.

Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class ranks No. 2 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Three five-stars are already in the mix: Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Tavien St. Clair, Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Na’eem Offord and five-star CB Devin Sanchez. The trio are among the nine top-100 prospects pledged to the Buckeyes, as of Oct. 26.

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.”