5-Star Recruit Jahkeem Stewart Flips Commitment to Ohio State Over Michigan Wolverines.

 

In a dramatic turn of events in college football recruiting, 5-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart has flipped his commitment from the University of Michigan to The Ohio State University. This highly anticipated decision has made waves across the college football landscape, sparking debates about the power dynamics of the Big Ten Conference and the shifting recruiting trends between these two football powerhouses. Stewart’s change of heart adds to an already intense rivalry, with both programs vying for supremacy in the Midwest.

 

### The Recruitment Saga

 

Jahkeem Stewart, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive tackle from St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., had been one of the most sought-after recruits of the 2025 class. Known for his explosive burst off the line of scrimmage, his ability to dominate in the trenches, and his physical presence, Stewart quickly garnered attention from top college programs across the country. His recruitment was marked by visits to multiple programs and a prolonged decision-making process, one that only amplified the anticipation leading up to his final choice.

 

For much of his recruitment, Michigan appeared to have the upper hand. Stewart had been a verbal commit to the Wolverines since the summer, making his decision early and expressing a strong desire to play for head coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan’s defensive prowess, combined with their recent success in the Big Ten, had made the Wolverines an appealing destination for Stewart. The program had been on the rise, winning multiple Big Ten championships in recent seasons, and their success in developing top-tier defensive talent played a significant role in Stewart’s initial commitment.

 

However, the landscape of college football recruiting is rarely static, and it wasn’t long before Ohio State, another Big Ten powerhouse, entered the fray. The Buckeyes, known for their high-powered offense and defensive strength, have long been a juggernaut in the recruiting game. Stewart’s decision to flip to Ohio State represents a massive win for head coach Ryan Day and his staff, who have made it clear that they’re intent on building a dominant defensive unit that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country.

 

### Ohio State’s Comeback

 

The story of Stewart’s flip to Ohio State is one that highlights the importance of continuous relationship-building in recruiting. Though Stewart had initially committed to Michigan, Ohio State never ceased in their pursuit of the elite defensive lineman. The Buckeyes made a concerted effort to keep in close contact with Stewart, hosting him on multiple visits and keeping him engaged throughout the process.

 

In a series of late-night phone calls, Ohio State’s coaching staff made their pitch: that the Buckeyes offered the best development opportunities for Stewart to maximize his potential. Ohio State has a well-established reputation for grooming players for the NFL, particularly defensive linemen, with a long list of former Buckeyes now making waves at the next level. This track record of success proved to be an enticing factor for Stewart, who has long dreamed of playing professionally.

 

One of the most compelling aspects of Ohio State’s recruiting strategy was their ability to showcase their defensive line play. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, Ohio State has become known for its fast, aggressive, and powerful defense. The program’s recent pipeline of defensive talent, including high-profile players like Chase Young, Joey Bosa, and Nick Bosa, provided a persuasive argument for Stewart. Ohio State’s defensive line unit has consistently been one of the best in the country, and Stewart’s potential fit in that system was made abundantly clear.

 

Additionally, Ohio State’s defensive line coach, Larry Johnson, has long been regarded as one of the best in the business. Known for his ability to develop young talent into future NFL stars, Johnson’s presence at Ohio State was another major selling point for Stewart. The prospect of learning from a coach with such a strong track record was enough to sway Stewart’s decision in favor of Ohio State.

 

### The Impact on Both Programs

 

Stewart’s commitment to Ohio State is significant for both the Buckeyes and Michigan, signaling important shifts in the Big Ten recruiting battles. For Ohio State, landing Stewart adds a top-tier player to their already talented defensive line, solidifying the future of their defense. With the program consistently competing for national championships, having an elite talent like Stewart in their fold makes the Buckeyes even more formidable. It also sends a message to other recruits that Ohio State remains a top destination for high school prospects looking to compete at the highest level.

 

For Michigan, Stewart’s flip represents a tough blow in their ongoing battle to maintain supremacy in the Big Ten. While the Wolverines have had a great run of success in recent years, particularly with their defense under coordinator Jesse Minter, losing out on a 5-star talent like Stewart is a significant setback. Michigan will have to regroup and find ways to maintain their competitive edge on the recruiting trail, especially as their in-state rival continues to flex its muscles.

 

The flip also adds another layer of drama to the already intense rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan. For years, these two programs have been at the forefront of the Big Ten, consistently competing for conference championships and college football playoff berths. Stewart’s commitment to Ohio State only heightens the tension between the two programs, as the stakes continue to rise in their recruiting battles.

 

### Looking Ahead

 

As Stewart embarks on his journey with Ohio State, all eyes will be on how he develops and performs in the coming years. His commitment to the Buckeyes has given the program a major boost, but the true impact of his decision will be felt over the next few seasons as Stewart looks to make an immediate impact on the field. Whether or not Stewart can follow in the footsteps of previous Ohio State defensive linemen and make a name for himself as a future NFL star remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that his decision has added a new layer of intrigue to the Big Ten rivalry, and it will be fascinating to see how it plays out in the years to come.

 

For Michigan, this flip is a reminder of the cutthroat nature of college football recruiting. While the Wolverines have a strong recruiting class of their own, they will now have to turn their attention to securing other top-tier defensive prospects in order to keep pace with their rivals to the south. As both programs continue to recruit at an elite level, the battle for supremacy in the Big Ten promises to remain as heated as ever.