According to a report from ESPN on Friday afternoon, five-star defensive back and USC Trojans target Jahkeem Stewart will transfer to another high school.

Stewart played in the school’s season opener, but according to a report from NOLA.com, the coveted recruit is no longer enrolled at his previous high school, St. Augustine. Stewart spent his first two seasons at St. Augustine in New Orleans, LA, where he earned FBU All-American honors as a freshman and MaxPreps All-American recognition as a sophomore.

In 2023, Stewart recorded 85 tackles, 33 tackles for loss and 20 sacks, earning him a spot among the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class.

“Hugely framed front-line defender with impressive linear athleticism and tremendous growth potential,” wrote Gabe Brooks for 247Sports. “Has executed strong combine testing and measured well on the 2024 spring offseason camp circuit. Periodic segmentation in movement patterns reflects continued growth in frame but shows serious straight-line strength for such a big body at this stage. Skilled pass rusher inside and out, thanks in part to his manual dexterity and point-of-attack strength. Often overwhelms physically outmatched opponents but occasionally shows some rip-and-swim nuance. … Still developing pass-rush repertoire but has shown encouraging technical awareness. Elite young defensive line prospect with excellent physical tools and promising movement who could become a serious NFL Draft prospect in the future.”

After his two All-American selections, Stewart is ranked as the best player in America by On3, Rivals and ESPN. According to 247Sports, Stewart is the nation’s top prospect and best defender.

This could be good news for USC, as schools like Mater Dei and Sierra Canyon often bring in some of the top transfers in the country. During the offseason, four-star wide receiver Jaden Nickens announced he was leaving his high school in Oklahoma City to play for Sierra Canyon.

With both of the aforementioned schools located in the Trojans’ backyard, Stewart’s transfer could help Lincoln Riley and Co. as Southern California looks to take on the nation’s top college football programs and land a coveted d-lineman prospect.

“St. Augustine has helped me become a much better man than I was when I started there. It’s taught me a lot,” Stewart told ESPN. “My plan is to find a school that can really help me with my decision — a place that will improve me and help me make the decision that I’m trying to make.”

In addition to his transfer, ESPN’s Eli Lederman reported that Stewart is also considering reclassifying to the 2025 recruiting class, meaning he could begin his college career as early as January.

The Trojans appear to be one of the top candidates in Stewart’s recruitment, as the 5-star prospect visited Las Vegas for USC’s matchup against the LSU Tigers. After a big win in the season opener, Southern California certainly appears to be in a good position with Stewart at this point.

Nicknamed “Thanos” due to his towering 6’1″ and 280-pound weight, Texas, Miami, LSU and Alabama appear to be the Trojans’ main competitors for the talented defender.