Get this: The 33rd-best recruit of 2025, already a millionaire, is off to USC Trojans! However, this 6-foot-5 ½, 270-pound beast once held the top spot in On3’s 2026 rankings. And now, he’s locked in with Lincoln Riley‘s team, picking them over LSU, OSU and Oregon. So, in the end, USC won the battle after his November visit to L.A. sealed the deal. Yes, the Trojans rolled out the red carpet, flashing the bright lights, big money, and endless opportunities.

Well, if you guessed the defensive lineman to be Jahkeem Stewart, you’re on spot. During his visit, USC made sure Stewart — nicknamed ‘Thanos’ — felt like a superstar. He met with Marvel Studios execs, toured FOX Sports, and dined at the iconic Nobu in Malibu. But that was just the beginning. He also connected with USC’s power players in real estate development. But the jaw-dropping part? The money. Yes, the Louisiana native is cashing in big, reportedly earning between $2 to $3 million in NIL deals. Looks like in L.A., the game goes beyond the field to a whole new level. And Stewart put it best, saying, “There’s a lot of off-the-field activities I can take advantage of.”

And see, Stewart is already making his NIL dollars count. According to On3’s IG post, the top-50 recruit in the 2025 class just bought a brand-new Jeep. But here’s the kicker — it isn’t for him, it is for his mother. Yes, the $34K Jeep Wrangler was a heartfelt thank-you for her unwavering support. And On3NIL put it best, writing, “USC DL Jahkeem Stewart bought a Jeep for his mother with his NIL dollars❤️✌️.”

But he doesn’t stop here. In the emotional Instagram video, Stewart shared his gratitude: “Truly. Love you. I truly appreciate you. I hope this little gift just shows you how much I appreciate you. Want to keep praying God, keep blessing me and blessing me with everything. Want to aggravate you a lot more. This isn’t the end, it’s just the start. … I thank you so much. Thank you, Mom.” Looks like a special moment, a powerful message, and for Stewart, giving back is just beginning.

Well, after arriving as an early enrollee, he wasted no time signing a NIL deal with the Trojans’ collective, House of Victory. So, let’s be real — NIL played a huge role in his decision. Yes, the bright lights of L.A. came with a massive payday, and Stewart locked in a compensation package worth over $1 million.

Looks like Stewart isn’t just thinking about football — he’s thinking about the future. And his trainer and mentor, Clyde Alexander of Edge Assassins, made it clear, stating, “He loves SC. The opportunities they present for him with life after football, Jahkeem is one of those kids who 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.”

Safe to say, for Stewart, USC isn’t just a football school — it’s a gateway to success. And it’s not just about the money — it’s about the future. Yes, USC offers more than a paycheck. As it’s a city of connections and endless possibilities.

Why did Jahkeem Stewart choose the USC Trojans?

Jahkeem Stewart was born to dominate — straight out of New Orleans. See, as a sophomore, he racked up 85 tackles, 20 sacks, and 33 tackles for loss. Pure dominance. And his biggest recruiter at USC? Fellow New Orleans native Eric Henderson. He is the former L.A. Rams coach, a Super Bowl champion, and now leads USC’s defensive line. On top of that, he’s worked with legends like Aaron Donald. And now, he’s ready to shape the next one, Stewart.

And Stewart felt the vision, the energy, the chance to be part of something big. In his own words, “It was a lot of things out there. “It’s opportunity. Coach Riley, he told me the word transcendent. Be a trendsetter and come over there and turn the program around. They have positive things with the program. The new defense is now ranked No. 32. Last year it was No. 131. That’s a big jump in improvement. And Coach Henny, it’s a feeling you can’t explain and trusting God with your decision.” To be honest, from No. 131 to No. 32 — USC’s defense is rising fast. And with Stewart in the mix, the Trojans are aiming even higher.

But for Stewart, the decision wasn’t just about football — it was about life after the game. “When the ball stops bouncing what are you left with, what are going to be your resources and network you’re able to tap into and move on and progress in a career in life. USC did an excellent job of displaying and putting him in contact with people in places you can obviously see would pay dividends for him as a professional after his football career is over with. That’s one of the things I think for me is at the forefront,” said the DL. Sure, nurturing the rising talents in the right direction reaps it benefits.

As of now, USC isn’t just building athletes, they’re building careers. And Stewart is making sure he’s set for life. Now, let’s see how he performs in 2025 with his choice.