TLDR: USC Trojans have scored a significant recruiting victory by securing the commitment of five-star defensive end Jahkeem Stewart, who is ranked 11th in the 2025 ESPN 300 rankings. Stewart, who made his announcement on ‘College Football Live’ from Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, had previously been the number one prospect for the 2026 class before reclassifying to the 2025 cycle in October. Prior to his commitment, he made visits to several top programs, including Oregon, Ohio State, LSU, and USC. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound defensive end, originally from Reserve, Louisiana, has been recognized as a promising talent since middle school, and despite not playing competitively this season due to a transfer, he will likely enroll early in college football. His addition is crucial for USC, which recently lost several high-profile commitments, and strengthens their defensive lineup while brandishing their 2025 class.

In a significant development for USC’s recruiting efforts, Jahkeem Stewart, one of the most coveted defensive prospects, has announced his commitment to the Trojans. Stewart, the 11th ranked player in the 2025 ESPN 300, made his decision public on the popular ESPN program “College Football Live”. The announcement, broadcasted directly from Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, underscores a major acquisition for USC, a program that has been striving to maintain its competitive edge. Stewart was originally part of the 2026 class, earning the top prospect designation before opting to reclassify to 2025 in October.

His recruitment journey saw him visiting several top-tier programs including Oregon, Ohio State, LSU, and finally USC. This move positions Stewart as the cornerstone of Lincoln Riley’s 2025 recruiting class for the Trojans. Riley and his team managed to clinch Stewart’s commitment during the climactic moments of the recruiting cycle, marking it as a significant win for the program.

Stewart stands out for his size and ability on the field, measuring in at an imposing 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds. Known for his versatility across the defensive line, Stewart has already made a notable impact during his high school career with impressive stats including 85 total tackles and 20 sacks in his sophomore year alone. Despite being unable to compete during his junior year due to a school transfer, Stewart has maintained his competitive edge and will be an early college enrollee for 2025.

The acquisition of Stewart is particularly vital for USC, which has experienced a series of setbacks within its recruiting class, including the loss of several notable commitments. Stewart’s decision to join the Trojans marks a critical pivot for the college’s strategic efforts to bolster its defensive capabilities, alongside other promising players pledging to the 2025 class.

USC’s lineup, strengthened by Stewart’s arrival, also includes high-ranked recruits such as quarterback Husan Longstreet and offensive tackle Aaron Dunn, providing a solid foundation. Their strategy reflects a commitment to enhancing key areas of their game and Stewart’s presence is expected to make an immediate impact as the Trojans look toward future successes on the field.