USC star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is reportedly expected to miss the start of the 2026 season. Stewart was spotted using crutches and wearing a boot on his right foot ahead of USC's Salute to Troy on Friday. According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Stewart is expected to be back in time for USC's Big Ten conference opener against Rutgers on Sept. 19.
The Trojans have three non-conference games before then, starting with their season opener against San Jose State, followed by matches against Fresno State and Louisiana. Stewart came into USC last year as a five-star recruit and was ranked as ESPN's No. 1 overall prospect in the Class of 2026 before reclassifying to the Class of 2025. He finished his freshman season with the Trojans as a Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and PFF Freshman All-American.
Stewart was the 22nd freshman to be named an All-American in USC program history. As a sophomore this season, Stewart earned a spot on the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List. Losing Stewart is a major blow to USC's defense.
But fortunately, the Trojans have a lot of depth at his position, and his absence will allow other players to get some more playing time before the conference schedule begins.
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