USC Trojans Confirm Jahkeem Stewart, Alex Graham Out Against Missouri State

USC Trojans will be without true freshman defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart and defensive back Alex Graham for their season opener against Missouri State due to injuries. Stewart, a highly touted five-star recruit and key addition to the defensive line, has been seen in a walking boot and is not ready to play, with coach Lincoln Riley confirming he will miss the first game but is expected to return soon. Graham, expected to start at the nickel position, is also sidelined by an undisclosed injury, compounding concerns after another nickel cornerback, Prophet Brown, was injured during fall camp. Cornerback Chasen Johnson is a game-time decision as he recovers from an injury, while defensive lineman Kobe Pepe is available despite some minor setbacks in camp. USC’s defensive line depth remains strong, with other players like Jide Abasiri, Keeshawn Silver, and Jamaal Jarrett stepping up to fill the gaps. Despite the injuries, the Trojans are favored in the opener and have a deep defensive front that should mitigate the impact of missing Stewart and Graham initially.