LOS ANGELES — USC defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart was named a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America.
Stewart is USC’s 22nd FWAA Freshman All-American, and the tenth defensive Trojan to earn the honor, joining USC greats like defensive lineman Shaun Cody, linebacker Rey Maualuga, defensive lineman Leonard Williams, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, and defensive back Calen Bullock.
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Stewart had a stellar collegiate debut, making an immediate impact on the Trojan defensive line and recording 18 tackles throughout the 2025 season. He was a constant presence in the opponent’s backfield, recording 7.5 tackles for loss totaling 27 yards, including 1.5 sacks for minus 11 yards.
He also notched 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 QB hurry. Stewart was also named a PFF Freshman All-American, and prior to the season, he was selected to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List.
Stewart arrived on USC’s campus as the leader of the 2025 class, and expectations from the former five-star recruit were met as soon as he entered the field. Head Coach Lincoln Riley praised Stewart’s play style and contributions to the Trojans at the end of the season by revealing that the true freshman had been playing the entire 202 season with a stress fracture in his foot.
Now, with a cluster of returning freshmen coming back for their sophomore year, including the new and long-awaited recruiting class of 2026, both ends of the ball for Southern California will set their sights high and prepare for a demanding 2026 schedule.
