Three Trojans Who Will See Their Roles Increase Amid Jahkeem Stewart Injury

The USC Trojans officially have two preseason opening injuries on their hands. But the latest, involving defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart, immediately alters the defensive side of the ball.

Already center Kilian O'Connor is out with a leg injury. Stewart got spotted in a walking boot during USC's annual Salute to Troy event held during the week of Aug. 18.

USC Trojans Jahkeem Stewart College Football Injury Lincoln Riley Gary Patterson Floyd Boucard Jamaal Jarrett — Nov 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

USC looks ready to address O'Connor, with Tobias Raymond expected to slide over from guard. But now it's time to look closely into the defensive trenches amid Stewart's ailment, as he could miss the first two games with his foot injury.

Here are three defenders to closely monitor, as each could see their snap counts increase early.

Defensive Tackle Floyd Boucard

USC Trojans College Football Recruiting Lincoln Riley Wisconsin Badgers Floyd Boucard Tobias Raymond Big Ten NFL — Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Stewart's setback means one projected starting defensive tackle spot is up for grabs. And now Boucard earns a chance to increase his action under coach Lincoln Riley and new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.

Boucard already shared with reporters that he's feeling more confident ahead of the season.

"I feel like I’m more experienced and I'm not the youngest no more. So I got to step up my game,” Boucard said following an Aug. 20 practice. “Just from an experience standpoint, I just feel more confident. I've been training really hard for this upcoming season.”

He's also developed a deeper understanding of when to turn to certain pass rush moves. But now he rises as a contender to fill for Stewart against San Jose State and Fresno State along with two more defenders here.

Defensive Tackle Jamaal Jarrett

Jamaal Jarett USC Trojans Purdue Boilermakers College Football Gary Patterson Floyd Boucard Jahkeem Stewart — Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; USC Trojans defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett (0) runs the ball in for a touchdown after intercepting it during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"Thicc Six" could earn more snaps here too. And not just limited to a rotational aspect.

Jarrett captured the hearts of USC fans with his 70-yard interception rumble against Purdue in 2025. While he showed his rare set of wheels, he's best known for plugging running lanes.

Granted, San Jose State doesn't run the ball much as the Spartans prefer to air it out. Jarrett, though, still can come in handy in short yardage and goal line situations. He's going to be greatly needed anyway on Sept. 5 with Fresno State in town, as the Bulldogs prefer to pound teams with the running game.

Jarrett figured to play a key role in this defensive tackle room but now, his own snap counts look ready to blossom.

Defensive Tackle Alex Vansumeren

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Recruiting Transfer Portal Skyler Jones Alex VanSumeren Jahkeem Stewart Jide Abasiri Spring — USC Trojans redshirt senior defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren | USC Trojans on SI

Now to the third likely contender to help fill in for Stewart. But this one is coming over via East Lansing, Michigan.

The Michigan State transfer VanSumeren originally looked like he was brought in to shore up USC's run defense woes. Now it looks like Riley, Patterson plus his positions coach Skyler Jones will need to lean into VanSumeren's girth and power even more heavily.

Patterson may roll with a four-man defensive line rotation early on, including having Jide Abasiri on the field. VanSumeren, though, earns an even greater opportunity to cement a starting position as Stewart recovers.

USC may not limit itself to those three options, though. Perhaps the Trojans become more convinced than ever to play prized four-star signing and former Oregon commit Tomuhini "Tom Tom" Tupoi earlier than expected. The season opener can also give USC a good glimpse of the Mater Dei High of Santa Ana star's potential.

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