USC’s Jahkeem Stewart Named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List

USC defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart has been named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced Tuesday. The award, presented annually since 2018, recognizes the nation’s top freshman in college football, whether true freshman or redshirt.

A Fast-Rising Freshman Talent

Stewart arrives in Los Angeles as one of the most decorated prospects in recent memory. The five-star defensive tackle reclassified from the class of 2026 to enroll early at USC in the spring of 2025, bypassing his senior season of high school football. Despite the move, Stewart remained one of the top-ranked recruits in the nation, widely regarded as a game-changing talent on the defensive line.

FOX Sports recently tabbed Stewart as one of the country’s Top 10 impact freshmen heading into the 2025 season, underscoring the expectations for the Louisiana native to contribute immediately for the Trojans.

Recruiting Pedigree

Prior to reclassifying, Stewart was considered the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class. After shifting to 2025, he still ranked among the elite players nationally—rated as the No. 1 player in Louisiana by ESPN and Rivals and the top defensive lineman in the country by both outlets. His national rankings included:

• No. 8 overall by Rivals
• No. 11 overall by ESPN
• No. 25 overall by On3
• No. 54 overall by 247Sports

Stewart’s accolades also include being named to the 2024 MaxPreps Preseason Junior All-American team and the PRZLA Preseason All-State list. He was previously ranked No. 1 on the ESPN Jr. 300 list for the class of 2026.

Dominant High School Career

At St. Augustine High School (New Orleans), Stewart put together a dominant sophomore campaign in 2023, recording 85 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His breakout season earned him a spot on the MaxPreps Sophomore All-American First Team and All-District 5A-9 honors. He also shined at the 2022 FBU Freshman All-American Game, where he was named the top performer.

The Shaun Alexander Award Legacy

The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award will be presented at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala, alongside other prestigious honors in both college and professional football. Named for former Alabama star and 2005 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander, the award has become one of the most respected freshman honors in the game.

Past winners include some of the sport’s biggest names:

• Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) – 2018
• Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis) – 2019
• Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) – 2020
• Brock Bowers (Georgia) – 2021
• Drake Maye (North Carolina) – 2022
• Caleb Downs (Alabama) – 2023
• Colin Simmons (Texas) – 2024

Looking Ahead

With USC aiming to make a push in the expanded College Football Playoff era, Stewart’s presence on the defensive line could be pivotal. If his high school dominance translates to the college level, the Trojans may have not only one of the Big Ten’s most impactful freshmen, but also a legitimate national award contender.