Five-Star DL Jahkeem 'Thanos' Stewart Signs With USC

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"Thanos" is a Trojan. Five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart signed with USC (6-6, 4-6 Big Ten Conference) on the opening day of the early signing period. Nicknamed "Thanos," the 6-foot-6, 290-pound native of New Orleans is rated as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country by Rivals and ESPN.

Previously rated by ESPN as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class, Stewart reclassified into the 2025 cycle when the Louisiana High School Athletic Association declared him ineligible to compete this season due to an in-season transfer. Following the reclassification, Rivals rates him the No. 8 overall prospect in the 2025 class.

Trojans defensive line coach Eric Henderson led Stewart's recruitment. He chose USC over No. 1 Oregon 12-0, 9-0), No. 6 Ohio State (10-2, 7-2) and LSU (8-4, 5-3 Southeastern Conference).

Stewart is the second five-star recruit to sign with USC on Dec. 4. Quarterback Husan Longstreet, who committed to USC on Nov. 17, is the other five-star player to formally sign with the Trojans.

Jahkeem Stewart: 'Generational Talent'

In a scouting report, 247Sports describes Stewart as an "[e]normous-framed front-line defender with impressive linear athleticism and immense growth potential." At the prep level, he often "physically overwhelms overmatched opponents." As a high school sophomore, he racked up jaw-dropping stats: 85 tackles, including 33 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks. He was named a MaxPreps sophomore All-American. Scouts describe him as a "generational talent" and project he will be a multi-year starter and immediate impact player in Power Four competition.

His high school coach said his athleticism and physique "creates terror" in opposing players. He lives up to his nickname, Thanos, one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe.

Needed Boost for USC

After a disappointing 6-6 regular season for the Trojans, the signing of one of the top high school players in the country is an invigorating shot in the arm for USC, particularly for coordinator D'Anton Lynn's defense. Additionally, just moments after Stewart's signing, four-star cornerback Alex Graham flipped his commitment from No. 23 Colorado (9-3, 7-2 Big 12 Conference) and signed with USC.

With these two signings on Dec. 4, the Trojans' 2025 class ranking moved up to No. 13 in the nation and No. 4 in the B1G. The incoming group of signees includes 11 four-star players in addition to the two five-star athletes, Stewart and Longstreet.

In an interview with On3's Steve Wiltfong, Stewart said, "My favorite thing about [USC is] the opportunity there on the field, getting coached by the best." He added that he considers DL coach Henderson ("Coach Henry") the best at what he does, noting, "He's got the results and résumé...."