PHOTO: 2026 recruiting class' 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart strikes a pose with former USC HC Pete Carroll

Five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart returned to the USC Trojans on Tuesday. The standout moment of his visit was captured via a photograph alongside former USC head coach Pete Carroll.

Stewart appeared at the Elite 11 Finals on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. The young star has already visited the program several times this year. The latest visit saw him interact with Carroll, who was the Trojans' coach until 2010 before leaving for the Seattle Seahawks.

Stewart's latest visit to USC included valuable one-on-one time with defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator Eric Henderson, which left a lasting impression on the young athlete.

“It was great. Just getting up there, working out with Coach Henny," Stewart told On3. "He taught me a lot of things and he continued to teach me the game of football… We have that relationship. He’s from New Orleans and I’m from St. John Parish. I love what he’s got going, he’s rebuilding USC’s defensive line. I love it.”

The visit also allowed the defensive lineman to interact with USC's defensive coaching trio of Henderson, Shaun Nua, and Skyler Jones. He had high praise for USC's campus and facilities as well:

"USC, it’s a great campus, they got a lot of security. There’s no trouble I could really get in, I just gotta stay disciplined on my side of the field. It’s a lot I could do. It opened up a lot of doors. I’m just looking forward to getting back up here."

Stewart's positive feedback is a big boost for the Trojans. The program got dealt two major blows as five-star defensive tackle Justus Terry and five-star defensive end Isaiah Gibson de-committed within hours of each other.

LSU in pole position to sign Jahkeem Stewart

Several teams are vying for Jahkeem Stewart's services, and LSU remains the top contender in the race. He is currently in Eugene for an official visit with the Oregon Ducks.

LSU currently leads the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) as a favorite to land the defensive end. The Tigers' defensive line coach, Bo Davis, is pulling out all the stops to secure Stewart's commitment, and the prospect himself fancies the aggressive approach of the coach.

“Working with Coach Bo Davis, Coach Bo Davis is a great coach,” Stewart told on3. “He got Byron Murphy, (T’Vondre) Sweat, etc., there is a lot of them. Coach Bo Davis does a great job."

"He coaches very aggressive and I love it. He’s a country boy, I’m a country boy. So that country boy connection is great. LSU is the hometown school and I love it.”

247 Sports ranks him as the No. 10 overall player in the 2026 class, the No. 1 defensive lineman, and the No. 1 prospect in Los Angeles. He is also ranked as the No. 1 defensive lineman, and the No. 1 overall prospect nationally by On3.