The USC Trojans have acquired one of the hottest players in the Class of 2025 in five-star defensive end Jakeem Stewart, who is considered the eighth player in the cycle by the Rivals. secured commitment.
Stewart, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound defensive end from New Orleans, Louisiana, was originally the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, but was reclassified one class higher and immediately transferred to the 2025 class. I decided to join. He became one of the most popular recruits of the cycle.
During his official visit in the fall, Stewart visited a number of powerhouse countries, including: ohio, LSU He committed to USC and USC before ultimately committing to the Trojans on Wednesday's National Signing Day.
The Trojans have struggled to recruit inside defensive linemen in the past, so Stewart fills a big need for them. USC, ranked 80th in the nation, allowed 4.5 yards per carry this season, making defending the run a challenge for the 2024 team.
Stewart was initially a 2026 graduate recruit, but the Trojans made an early appeal to the defensive end, with several staff members building relationships with five-star players while also approaching NIL ventures The effort was years in the making. .
Although the NIL played a key role in this recruitment, Stewart had a strong relationship with lead recruiter Eric Henderson, USC's defensive line coach.
Stewart had an interesting high school career, emerging as a sophomore and recording 85 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks in his major year. However, he did not play this season as he attempted to transfer and is now reclassified to the 2025 class.
Still, he could be an immediate contributor for USC, which needs both good size and talent up front on its defensive line, but that depends on the position the Trojans expect him to play. to the interior as it may need some bulking up before seeing noticeable time.
Stewart is easily USC's best defensive lineman in the 2025 class, joining three-star players Floyd Boucard, Cash Jacobsen and Gus Cordova as the Trojans' position players for the cycle.
He joins USC's No. 13 recruiting class, joining quarterback Huthan Longstreet as USC's two five-star players in the cycle.
The Trojans were unable to flip five-star cornerback Dijon Lee out of Alabama, and despite repeated efforts, were unable to keep the Mission Viejo cornerback close to home and other faced with disappointing news at the location. Lee signed with the Crimson Tide on Wednesday morning, joining head coach Karen DeBoer's elite recruiting class.
Additionally, they lost a commitment from five-star Utah wide receiver Jerome Miles. Texas A&M Wednesday after being there for last weekend's matchup against Texas.
But more than that, USC missed out on a big upset opportunity with four-star cornerback Darren Penson, who signed locally. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Despite heavy attacks from the Trojans.
And despite finishing in the top four, they were unable to keep linebacker Madden Faraimo home, and the four-star linebacker opted to sign with. notre dame cathedral He was selected Wednesday as one of the top remaining recruits in the 2025 class.
So it's crucial that the Trojans found a way to acquire five-star defensive lineman Jakeem Stewart, as there were some big mistakes elsewhere in the last-minute push, and they did just that on Wednesday, joining a top-15 class in the league. Nation.
