Three Trojans Who Will See Their Roles Increase Amid Jahkeem Stewart Injury
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The USC Trojans officially have two preseason opening injuries on their hands. But the latest, involving defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart, immediately alters the defensive side of the ball.
Already center Kilian O'Connor is out with a leg injury. Stewart got spotted in a walking boot during USC's annual Salute to Troy event held during the week of Aug. 18.
USC looks ready to address O'Connor, with Tobias Raymond expected to slide over from guard. But now it's time to look closely into the defensive trenches amid Stewart's ailment, as he could miss the first two games with his foot injury.
Here are three defenders to closely monitor, as each could see their snap counts increase early.
Defensive Tackle Floyd Boucard
Stewart's setback means one projected starting defensive tackle spot is up for grabs. And now Boucard earns a chance to increase his action under coach Lincoln Riley and new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.
Boucard already shared with reporters that he's feeling more confident ahead of the season.
"I feel like I'm more experienced and I'm not the youngest no more. So I got to step up my game," Boucard said following an Aug. 20 practice. "Just from an experience standpoint, I just feel more confident. I've been training really hard for this upcoming season."
He's also developed a deeper understanding of when to turn to certain pass rush moves. But now he rises as a contender to fill for Stewart against San Jose State and Fresno State along with two more defenders here.
Defensive Tackle Jamaal Jarrett
"Thicc Six" could earn more snaps here too. And not just limited to a rotational aspect.
Jarrett captured the hearts of USC fans with his 70-yard interception rumble against Purdue in 2025. While he showed his rare set of wheels, he's best known for plugging running lanes.
Granted, San Jose State doesn't run the ball much as the Spartans prefer to air it out. Jarrett, though, still can come in handy in short yardage and goal line situations. He's going to be greatly needed anyway on Sept. 5 with Fresno State in town, as the Bulldogs prefer to pound teams with the running game.
Jarrett figured to play a key role in this defensive tackle room but now, his own snap counts look ready to blossom.
Defensive Tackle Alex Vansumeren
Now to the third likely contender to help fill in for Stewart. But this one is coming over via East Lansing, Michigan.
The Michigan State transfer VanSumeren originally looked like he was brought in to shore up USC's run defense woes. Now it looks like Riley, Patterson plus his positions coach Skyler Jones will need to lean into VanSumeren's girth and power even more heavily.
Patterson may roll with a four-man defensive line rotation early on, including having Jide Abasiri on the field. VanSumeren, though, earns an even greater opportunity to cement a starting position as Stewart recovers.
USC may not limit itself to those three options, though. Perhaps the Trojans become more convinced than ever to play prized four-star signing and former Oregon commit Tomuhini "Tom Tom" Tupoi earlier than expected. The season opener can also give USC a good glimpse of the Mater Dei High of Santa Ana star's potential.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/usc as Three Trojans Who Will See Their Roles Increase Amid Jahkeem Stewart Injury.
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