Biggest Questions for USC Trojans After Jahkeem Stewart Injury

No. 14 USC Trojans star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart was seen on crutches ahead of Friday night's Salute to Troy, and the former five-star recruit could miss the start of USC's season with a lower leg injury.

USC assistant athletic director and director of player relations Gavin Morris posted a story on Instagram that showed Stewart on crutches as well as a boot on Stewart's right foot.

usc trojans jahkeem stewart injury update crutches questions lincoln riley gary patterson san jose state season opener — Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Jahkeem Stewart (4) reacts after a defensive play against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If Stewart will miss multiple weeks with an injury, what does it mean for the Trojans defensive front and defensive coordinator Gary Patterson?

USC sophomore defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart was pictured using crutches and what appears to be a boot on his right foot today on campus ahead of Salute to Troy.

Stewart played through a broken foot down the stretch last season pic.twitter.com/1Ym8s3pzIK
— Ryan Kartje (@RyanKartje) August 22, 2026

Who Replaces Jahkeem Stewart?

Actually replacing a talent like Stewart is a tall task, but the Trojans do have some depth along the defensive line. Losing Stewart is never ideal, but his absence could allow key USC defensive linemen to get more reps and more in-game experience during a favorable non-conference schedule.

Can sophomore Floyd Boucard or redshirt junior Jamaal Jarrett help fill the hole left by Stewart? Can true freshmen like Tomuhini Topui and Jaimeon Winfield make an impact on the defensive line in 2026?

Returning USC defensive lineman Jide Abasiri is a versatile piece that can be moved along the Trojans' front, and the decision to bring in Michigan State transfer Alex VanSumeren looks better by the day. However, the Trojans' depth may be tested once Big Ten conference play starts.

While the severity of Stewart's injury is unknown, anything that keeps him off the field is a blow to USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans. However, the opportunity for a player like Boucard or Topui to get some experience early could pay dividends later in the season.

Can Jahkeem Stewart Return for Big Ten Play?

The loss of Stewart is certainly impactful, but the Trojans can likely survive without him for most of September, if needed.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, USC is favored by 38.5 points over San José State and 22.5 points over Fresno State. Odds for the Trojans' games against Louisiana and Rutgers have not yet been released, but Riley and company are expected to be favored in those matchups as well.

However, USC are currently 5.5-point underdogs to the No. 2 Oregon Ducks for the Sept. 26 clash. The Trojans can likely afford to be extra cautious with Stewart to start the season, but having him on the sidelines against the Ducks would be a big blow to USC's chances at upsetting Oregon.

The Trojans' schedule doesn't get much easier after facing Oregon, either. USC hosts Washington before facing Penn State and Wisconsin on the road before arguably the Trojans' biggest game of the season when the Ohio State Buckeyes come to Southern California.

Ohio State is the No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, and Riley has a chance to pick up his biggest win yet at USC. The Trojans' are expected to be vying for an at-large bid for the College Football Playoff, and a win over the Buckeyes would go a long way when it comes to the CFP Selection Committee rankings.

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