USC's Jahkeem Stewart Misses Start; Returns for Oregon

USC defensive end Jahkeem Stewart is sidelined by a foot injury and will miss the season’s early games. Reports vary on the exact window, but multiple outlets say he’s expected to miss at least the first three to four games before a potential return for a marquee matchup against Oregon or for the Rutgers game later in September. The injury places added strain on USC’s defensive line, creating opportunities for teammates to step up early in the non-conference slate. Stewart has a documented history of foot issues, including a stress fracture last fall, which led to surgery and tempered expectations for his durability in the season’s opening stretch. USC’s non-conference schedule includes San Jose State, Fresno State, and Louisiana before its matchup with Rutgers, which could determine how soon Stewart is back on the field. Analysts and USC staff emphasize Stewart’s potential impact once healthy, noting his past production and the depth chart implications as the team navigates the injury.