It’s mid-November, but things are heating up in California. The USC Trojans (5-5) aren’t pulling any trees in 2024 so the focus has seemingly shifted. The program’s recruitment drive has picked up speed in the last couple days. The Trojans’ facility is seeing more 5-stars than downtown LA. Amidst the faction of elite talent is the No. 3 D-linemen in his class.

Jahkeem Stewart is the latest wrinkle in the Trojans’ recent recruiting blitz. The edge rusher, nicknamed “Thanos”, was on an official visit to USC this weekend. Stewart was the no.1 overall player in the 2026 draft class before his recent reclassification. With up to 4 major schools chasing him, Jahkeem is close to leaning towards life on the Pacific coast. That is according to one USC fan with his finger on the pulse of this development.

“USC J”, host of the “Lost In Tha Sauce” podcast, updated fellow Trojans’ fans on the situation. “I think USC has a real opportunity, and it’s really serious. I believe that USC is even in the lead right now when you’re talking about Jahkeem Stewart. I think that speaks volumes of where we’re at right now with recruiting”. 

Lincoln Riley has got to be excited about things on the recruitment front. Mere hours after QB Julian Lewis de-committed from the program, it was announced that fellow 5-star Husan Longstreet was now going to line up under center next season after his flip from Texas A&M. The podcast host expanded on which other programs are at the risk of the Trojans’ wrath. He also named the key to the whole operation.

“It’s USC, Ohio State, LSU, and Oregon that are in it, But I don’t think [there’s] any other coach that’s probably as close as Eric Henderson right now. And so for that alone, I think that’s speaking volumes”. Co-defensive coordinator and D-line coach Henderson was recently pictured with Stewart, alongside 2026-commit Xavier Griffin. With Signing Day approaching quickly, expect the dynamic around this recruitment to smooth over soon. The clock is ticking for USC.

USC Trojans have a benefit in the race for Jahkeem Stewart

Although USC has failed to live up to expectations this season, the program is as appealing as any in CFB. The Trojans have over 30 graduates in the NFL and rank in the top 20 nationwide in that aspect. However, this isn’t the only factor attracting a talent of Jahkeem Stewart’s ilk to Southern California.

His trainer and mentor Clyde Alexander recently said “[Jahkeem] loves SC. The opportunities they present for him with life after football, Jahkeem is one of those kids he really wants to be successful outside of football. USC is one of those places, there are a lot of different companies, Fortune 500 companies and a lot of opportunities in that Los Angeles area. Being able to connect and network in that realm are things that really attract him.”

USC’s exploits in recruitment are commendable. But there is still work to be done this season. Lincoln Riley still has bowl eligibility to fight for. Speaking of bowls, his and the Trojans’ next challenge takes them to the Rose Bowl. USC faces rivals UCLA next. They will likely need to get over the line with their 6th win since the last weekend of the season sees them take on high-flying Notre Dame. As for Jahkeem Stewart, the proverbial ball is now in his court.