USC secures 5-star DE Jahkeem Stewart, igniting recruiting controversy

In a significant move for college football recruiting, five-star defensive end Jahkeem Stewart announced his commitment to the University of Southern California (USC) on December 4, 2024. Stewart, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound pass rusher, was previously ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class before he reclassified to the 2025 recruiting cycle in October 2024. His announcement came during a live ceremony at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he has recently transferred from St. Augustine High School. Stewart's selection of USC marks a pivotal recruiting victory for head coach Lincoln Riley, especially after the Trojans faced multiple decommitments from their highly-touted class, including five-star quarterback Julian Lewis and defensive lineman Justus Terry. Stewart visited several other top programs before making his decision, including Oregon, Ohio State, and LSU, with USC being the final school to host him on November 16. Despite being ruled ineligible for competition during his junior season after his transfer, Stewart has a notable high school career featuring impressive stats, including 85 tackles and 20 sacks in his sophomore season. He is determined to make an immediate impact at USC, expressing confidence in his ability to compete at the collegiate level, stating that he feels capable of quickly earning a position on the team. With his commitment, USC bolsters its defensive line and aims to reclaim its status as a perennial power in college football.