Jahkeem Stewart's Injury Leaves One Burning Question For USC Trojans

Will defensive end Jahkeem Stewart be back for one of the most pivotal matchups on the USC Trojans' schedule?

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) and defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart (4) pose with fans after the game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The USC Trojans received crushing news on Saturday about the health of one of their most talented young defensive stars, Jahkeem Stewart. The 6-5, 295-pound sophomore defensive end from Reserve, Louisiana, will miss the start of the season with a lower leg injury. 

The news of Stewart’s injury first broke when USC assistant athletic director and director of player relations Gavin Morris posted an Instagram story showing Stewart on crutches along with a boot on his right foot. 

While this is a major blow to the Trojans' defense, hope isn't lost. According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Stewart is expected to be back for the Trojans' marquee Week 4 showdown against the Oregon Ducks. This matchup will be one of the biggest games on USC’s schedule and could determine their hopes of making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.

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

Before their showdown against the Ducks at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 26, the Trojans' first four games of the season will include matchups with the San Jose State Spartans (Aug. 29), Fresno State Bulldogs (Sept. 4), Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (Sept. 12), and Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Sept. 19).

The three non-conference matchups will be at the Coliseum, while the Trojans will travel to Piscataway to face the Scarlet Knights, then return home to Los Angeles. Hoping to get Stewart back for the matchup against the Ducks, here’s a look back at Stewart’s freshman season with the Trojans and the leap he can take his sophomore year. 

Why Stewart's Return For Oregon Ducks Matchup Is Crucial

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) and defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart (4) pose with fans after the game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In his freshman season with the Trojans, Stewart showed the bright future he has in the cardinal and gold, putting together a phenomenal year despite some injury struggles along the way. Stewart completed his freshman season recording 18 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. 

Now as a sophomore, Stewart aims to take a step forward, which is why Trojan fans hope he returns for the matchup against Oregon. The Ducks, in their fifth season under coach Dan Lanning, have among the most talented offenses in the country, led by star quarterback Dante Moore. 

To stop Moore and a high-powered Ducks offense, Stewart is one of those Trojan defensive stars USC will need to rely on to upset Oregon and give coach Lincoln Riley his signature win. 

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) looks on during the first half against the Southern California Trojans at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Trojans 2026 schedule is filled with a gauntlet of Big Ten games. In addition to the Sept. 26 matchup against the Ducks, the Trojans will also play host to the Washington Huskies (Oct. 3) and another national title contender, the Ohio State Buckeyes, on Halloween.

Road games have always been difficult for Riley and the Trojans, as all three of their regular-season losses last season came away from Los Angeles. This year won't be any easier, as the Trojans will travel to Happy Valley in a potential "whiteout" environment to face the Penn State Nittany Lions (Oct. 10) and play the defending national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers, in Bloomington on Nov. 14.

Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Football head coach Curt Cignetti speaks during Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

To make the CFP, the Trojans, assuming they win their other games, will likely afford to lose two of their five marquee matchups. Three losses will keep them out of the CFP. Defensively, in their first season under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, Stewart looks to make a major impact in these five Big Ten clashes.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Ducks are currently 5.5-point favorites to beat the Trojans on the road for their end-of-September matchup. Despite Stewart's injury, the Trojans' defense should be able to handle their first four opponents and get off to a 4-0 start for the second consecutive season.

Who Will Step Up For USC Trojans Defense During Stewart’s Absence?

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; USC student-athlete Jide Abasiri speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With Stewart sidelined for the first four weeks of the season, several players on the Trojans' defense, especially at defensive end, will look to step up. Defensive tackles Floyd Boucard and Jamaal Jarrett are players to watch on the defensive line.

The Trojans also look to rely on defensive lineman Jide Abasiri and Michigan State Spartans transfer Alex VanSumeran, two players who will be critical pieces of the Trojans' defensive front throughout the season.   

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; USC student-athlete Alex VanSumeren speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's to be seen what impact these four players can make for the Trojans when they kick off the season on Aug. 29 at the Coliseum against the San Jose State Spartans. The Trojans are overwhelming favorites to beat the Spartans, favored by 38.5 points, per DraftKings Sportsbook.

The kickoff on Aug. 29 between the Trojans and Spartans is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET with the game broadcast on NBC.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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