Jahkeem Stewart commits to USC despite late push from LSU

The top prospect in Louisiana spurned LSU to head out west

A New Orleans native and five-star prospect chose a Southern California school over LSU, despite a last-minute push from the Tigers.

[autotag]Jahkeem Stewart[/autotag] committed to USC during Wednesday’s National Early Signing Day. The defensive line prospect announced his decision on “College Football Live” in a ceremony at Edna Karr High School.

The top-rated prospect in Louisiana, Stewart also received interest from Oregon and Ohio State down the stretch. However, the Trojans landed the five-star prospect.

LSU inked two five-star recruits in cornerback [autotag]DJ Pickett[/autotag] and [autotag]Harlem Berry[/autotag], headlining a 2025 class currently ranked ninth in the nation and sixth in the SEC.

With the transfer portal opening in five days and a spring signing period looming, the Tigers have plenty of time to bolster their roster heading into next season.

Last week, head coach Brian Kelly emphasized the importance of both opportunities. He highlighted “the strength of the entire roster” when confronted with concerns about the quarterback position, especially following top-rated Bryce Underwood’s flip to Michigan.