Recruiting insider details why the Ohio State Buckeyes can beat Oregon for 2025 elite pass-rush prospect
The Ohio State Buckeyes just had one of the nation's best-uncommitted talents in the 2025 recruiting cycle in Columbus for their win against Nebraska. While the win was not a satisfying one for Buckeye fans, 2025 5-star defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart was a more important person to impress. This was the first of his two […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes just had one of the nation's best-uncommitted talents in the 2025 recruiting cycle in Columbus for their win against Nebraska. While the win was not a satisfying one for Buckeye fans, 2025 5-star defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart was a more important person to impress. This was the first of his two planned visits this season.
The nation's 15th-ranked prospect recently reclassified from 2026 to 2025. At 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, Stewart is the type of freak athlete who could massively boost the Buckeyes' defensive NFL pipeline. Though Ohio State has been good, they have not been great, and Stewart has that potential.
This week, On3 recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong shared why the Buckeyes can beat out Oregon and USC for the valued prospect.
Stewart will be taking his official visit when Michigan comes to town, so it's a great sign that he prioritized visiting the Buckeyes on an extra weekend. Wiltfong said the Ducks have the edge, but defensive line coach Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes' continued program success has Stewart's continued interest.
“Ohio State’s a program he could really see himself at for a couple of reasons. First of all, he has a great relationship with Larry Johnson and LaAllan Clark, the two defensive line coaches. Johnson, his historic track record really resonates with (Stewart), who feels like he could develop under both of those coaches. Then Ohio State’s consistency, they’re always ranked in the top five, top 10, year in and year out. They always boast some of the best defensive linemen in the country that hear their names called high in the NFL Draft.”
The insider said Stewart feels comfortable with the bright lights around Columbus and his relationship with the players and program. Overall, this race is shaping up to go into deep November.
It was refreshing to hear good news for the Buckeyes, especially since the tenor of the noise around the program has skewed negatively after the Oregon loss and Nebraska game. Stewart was in the house for Ohio State and Oregon, but it's hard to imagine he would've taken anything negative away from the thrilling matchup.
