Wolverine Digest

Michigan Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart named Reese's Player of the Week

Trent Knoop|
Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart (0) celebrates a tackle against USC during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart (0) celebrates a tackle against USC during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It's now the second week that Michigan Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart has shown what he can do as a starter for the Michigan defense. In Week 1 against Fresno State, Stewart logged five tackles and two sacks against the Bulldogs' QB Mikey Keene. Fast forward to Week 4 against a tough USC team, Stewart shined in a big-game environment.

It didn't take long for Stewart to get in on the action. Halfway through the first quarterback, Stewart sacked USC quarterback Miller Moss for a nine-yard loss. He finished the game with four tackles, two sacks, three TFLs, four QB hurries, and one forced fumble.

On Monday, the Reese's Senior Bowl named Stewart their defensive player of the week after a 27-24 win over the Trojans to start Big Ten play.

While Stewart was the stalwart of the Michigan defense, he wasn't alone. The whole front four did damage to the USC offensive line. In the game, Moss was sacked four times, Michigan accumulated eight TFLs, and the Wolverines had 10 QB hurries against Moss. The Wolverines' defense lived in the backfield which is what helped keep Moss on his toes and not in rhythm -- especially in the first half.

Here is some information about Stewart via MGoBlue:

• All-Big Ten selection (honorable mention, coaches, 2023)
• Co-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 2, 2023)
• One-year letterman (2023)
• Has appeared in 18 games off the edge with three starts
• Made his first start as a Wolverine against Fresno State (Aug. 31) and added two sacks among three tackles for loss as part of a five-tackle effort
• Notched four tackles and a shared tackle for loss starting off the edge against Texas (Sept. 7)
• Hurried the passer and assisted on one stop against Arkansas State (Sept. 14)

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

Opinion: We got a glimpse of what Michigan football is capable of for the rest of '24

Michigan football players of the game in heroic win over USC

PFF grades: Michigan high/low player grades, snap counts to know after win against USC

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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