USC DL Jahkeem Stewart as future top overall NFL draft pick is inevitable

Notre Dame v USC
Notre Dame v USC | Ric Tapia/GettyImages

The USC program has a long line of success. This is true on the collegiate field and then in sending players to the NFL. For freshman Jahkeem Stewart, the goal is to further add to that legacy as a Trojan. Nicknamed 'Thanos' for a reason, anyone not already familiar with his name will be by the time fall comes around.

Quote sharing a post from Arrogant Nation, Stewart left a message that should excite Trojan fans. The initial post mentioned that coach Lincoln Riley is the only person in charge to have three of his players go No. 1 overall.

Stewart's social media post shows him drawing a connection to wearing the #4 jersey and being next in line to hear his name called first by Commissioner Roger Goodell. That night would still be a couple of years from now, but still, it's good for athletes to have high goals in mind.

Stewart will know better than anyone that it will be a journey from now until that point. Seeing him have the confidence and self-belief in being able to one day follow in the succession of Baker Mayfield, Caleb Williams, and Kyler Murray, particularly as a defensive player, only speaks to what he's capable of in the trenches.

What to expect from Stewart in first year at USC

By all accounts, Stewart should be able to earn a considerable amount of playing time in 2025. Him being a starter, at least at this point, would be something of a surprise. And that's more than fine if he isn't at the top of the DL room right now. Having just turned 18 years old, he'll continue to develop and grow his game.

At any rate, the talent is undeniable. His hunger and desire to get to the next level are admirable at this stage. The USC freshman may be making some bold statements, but if anyone can call their destiny, it may just be someone who is nicknamed after a Marvel supervillain.        

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