As the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face off against the No. 3 Oregon Ducks in Eugene this Saturday, the matchup is brimming with significance—especially for recruiting. Among the spectators will be elite 5-star defensive lineman recruit Jahkeem Stewart, who has both Oregon and Ohio State as finalists for his commitment.
Stewart, who recently reclassified to the 2025 recruiting class, will be attending the game as he weighs his options ahead of his early enrollment and commitment announcement in December. This game presents a crucial opportunity for the Ducks to showcase their program and potentially sway Stewart’s decision.
5⭐️ Jahkeem Stewart is called THANOS for a reason.
Stewart flashed his OSU gloves after one of his reps🌰👀@Jahkeem2026 pic.twitter.com/2lHfFG8ejW
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 1, 2024
“Stewart is planning to enroll early and will likely announce his commitment during the early signing period starting December 4,” said Steve Wiltfong of On3. “He’s locked in for official visits this weekend, and the Ohio State game will be pivotal for him. He wants to evaluate how both teams perform in high-stakes situations and gauge their preparedness in a tough environment.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Oregon, as this may be their last opportunity to impress Stewart before he commits. His impact on the field could be immense; at just 6’6″ and 270 lbs as a sophomore, Stewart recorded 90 tackles, over 30 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks. Initially the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, his reclassification to 2025 signals his readiness for the next level.
Coaches and analysts see Stewart as a potential early first-round NFL draft pick, highlighting his impressive physical attributes and on-field performance. In addition to visiting Oregon, he’s scheduled to attend Ohio State’s rivalry game against Michigan and LSU’s clash with Alabama, making his evaluation of these programs even more critical.
If the Ducks can secure a victory at home on Saturday, it could significantly boost their chances of landing Stewart, thereby elevating their 2025 recruiting class to one of the nation’s elite.
