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Jahkeem Stewart's agent responded to suggestion he was overpaid by USC.
USC defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart has been accused of figuratively swindling the Trojans out of NIL money. His production doesn’t match the school’s investment. USC overpaid.
That was the narrative pushed by an LSU media member this week. Stewart’s NIL representation has since responded.
The agency supported its client with evidence disputing the claims.
Jahkeem Stewart chose USC over LSU.
It is believed that NIL played a significant role. The former five-star recruit played high school football in Louisiana, an hour down the road from the LSU campus in New Orleans.
He was always considered a lean to the Tigers. USC swooped in at the last minute with an offer in January of 2024. He committed to the Trojans 10 months later and inked his signature on Signing Day.
Stewart skipped the end of his senior year in high school. He reclassified to enroll early at USC. Then-LSU coach Brian Kelly says money was the motivator in his decision to spurn the Tigers.
Brian Kelly opened up his Early Signing Period press conference by talking about the new NIL era.
Kelly said for some prospects, “It’s not just about finding the right fit … it’s about the most money I can get. That’s unfortunate, but it’s the world we live in.”
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) December 4, 2024
Kelly’s comments came after three highly rated prospects, including Stewart and top overall player Bryce Underwood, rejected LSU offers to sign more lucrative NIL deals elsewhere.
LSU reportedly offered Stewart $1.25 million per season. USC’s deal was worth $2 million a year. He chose the latter.
This week, LSU media personality Matt Moscona reflected back on the recruitment. Has USC gotten its money’s worth?
Was USC swindled?
During a recent podcast, Moscona addressed LSU’s miss on signing five-star recruit Easton Royal. Florida offered to pay more, similar to the situation described with Jahkeem Stewart and USC.
Given the circumstances, Stewart’s name was brought into the conversation. Moscona suggested that the Trojans overpaid. His NIL agent didn’t appreciate it.
Stewart earned Freshman All-America honors last year. His representation says he did so while playing on a broken foot. The defensive tackle racked up 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception as a rookie. He has five tackles this year.
Moscona says the production doesn’t match the payout. Here’s what Stewart’s agent replied.
Hey (Matt), I understand that it’s your “job” to control the narrative and spin bs to the fanbase but that “relative little” that your saying Jahkeem Stewart has done is become a Freshman All American while playing on a broke foot while he should have been a SR in high school.
The agency continued in its support after Moscona doubled down.
Let’s talk stats then @MattMoscona in 11 games while being on a pitch count due to a fractured foot Jahkeem had 18 Tkls 7.5 TFLs 1.5 sacks 1 int 1 fumble rcvy. LSUs 2 deep (4 Players) DTs from 2025 had a combined 18 Tkls and 5.5 sacks. So a highschool kid on 1 foot out performed
— LEGENDARY SPORTS AGENCY (@BE_LEGENDARY__) October 15, 2026
Clearly, the two sides disagree. Moscona believes LSU made the right decision to let Stewart walk. He was not worth the price tag. Stewart’s agent thinks he’s more than earned his keep.
Regardless, it highlights the decision making that factors into roster management in the ever-changing world of NIL and the transfer portal. Programs can only spend so much. Hard choices have to be made.
In LSU’s case, it meant passing on a local five-star talent. USC hopes its investment pays off.