USC’s most prominent freshman in 2025 is Jahkeem Stewart. The Trojans won a major recruiting battle against LSU and Brian Kelly to bring aboard “Thanos.” USC is counting on Stewart to significantly upgrade the defense and give the Trojans better odds of winning Big Ten slugfests, provided that the offense does not max out. If USC is able to win the tough, grinding 20-17 types of games it failed to win last season, the Trojans could make the big leap to the College Football Playoff.
USC football fans are certainly excited about seeing Jahkeem Stewart on the field this year, but everyone might have to be patient in that regard. Stewart might not play in the Trojans’ season opener this Saturday against Missouri State. Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times quoted Lincoln Riley as saying Stewart was “50-50” to play in the game. Kartje showed Stewart’s right foot in a walking boot, adding that Riley doesn’t think this is a long-term injury.
Since USC’s second game is against Georgia Southern, it would seem that keeping Stewart out of the Missouri State game is the right call to make. USC doesn’t need Stewart to win this game. Getting Stewart on the field against Georgia Southern would prepare him for the Big Ten schedule and the conference opner versus Purdue on Sept. 13. We will keep you posted on Stewart’s injury status at USC.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC’s Jahkeem Stewart ’50-50′ for Missouri State season opener, per Lincoln Riley
Reporting by Matt Zemek / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
