Time to pan our focus away from the 2024 kickoff and delve into the 2025 class. After all, there has been a big announcement that is on the verge of changing the football landscape. Reclassifying always brings with it sweet results. The biggest example is Ryan Williams. This time around, it’s the five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart who officially announced reclassifying to the 2025 recruiting cycle.

With multiple visits lined up in the coming weeks, it seems that Brian Kelly’s LSU would hold a soft corner for the athlete. But that doesn’t mean that the other programs won’t even try their luck. Oregon Ducks HC has already laid out a red carpet for Stewart. 

Why is Brian Kelly’s LSU Jahkeem Stewart’s favorite?

Under Kelly, the LSU Tigers have been really dominant in recruiting in-state. But they now know how they are yet to fight their biggest in-state recruiting battle. Their 5-star DL Steward is out there reclassifying. Now ranked as the 19th player in the 2025 class, Stewart is known as the third-ranked DL in the class and the second-best player in Louisiana. That’s impressive enough for Big Ten Giants Ohio State, USC, and Oregon to dive in. And here On3 analyst Josh Newberg landed a bold claim,  “I think LSU probably the favorite here.”

Another analyst, Steve Wiltfong, confirmed that Stewart is going to sign on the early sign-in period. Hence, not much time is left for the programs since it’s going to happen anytime around December. Already 4 teams are ready to sway him away, there can be other two like Texas and Miami to join them.

But Kelly can take a chill pill and go to sleep. After all, he knows they do not have to put in much effort. You must be wondering why so. “He’s from the state of Louisiana. He’ll be ranked the number two player in that state for this class,” that’s the reason as pointed out by Newberg. Stewart’s got suitors lined up, but will anyone make the perfect play?  

The countdown begins for Jahkeem Stewart to hit the roads

Right at the moment, the closest date is that of Dan Lannings’ Ducks who will be opening the door for Stewart on October 12. The 5-star DL will be visiting the No.6 Oregon as they will be facing off against the No.3 Ohio State Buckeyes at the Autzen Stadium. That’s definitely going to be a tough call since both Lanning and Ryan Day have undefeated programs with College Football Playoff aspirations.

Plus, Oregon is coming off as strong after beating Michigan State 31-10. But more than their numbers, we are more interested in what recruiting strategy Lanning has adopted since they will be hosting a number of recruits. “We want great players to be here, and there will certainly be some great players here next week,” revealed Lanning.

That’s what makes Jahkeem Stewart even more alluring for them. After all, the DL certainly falls under the umbrella of great players. As put forward by 247Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks, “Reportedly highly productive sophomore campaign with 85 tackles, 33 TFL, 20 sacks. Still developing pass-rush repertoire but has shown encouraging technical awareness.” It’s now to be seen if Brian Kelly can sweeten the deal for Stewart, or will he fly off with another giant?