Jahkeem Stewart, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class, has “officially reclassified to the 2025 class,” according to a statement released Saturday to On3.

The five-star defensive lineman expressed his appreciation to Edna Karr — where he transferred this past month — and the InspireNOLA Charter Schools system for “the opportunity to pursue (his) goals and welcoming (him) with open arms” in the statement.

“You all truly are ‘Second to None,’” the message continued. “I will be graduating December of 2024, signing my National LOI on December 3rd during early signing period and early enrolling into college later in December. As of now I have official visits to Oregon, LSU, USC and Ohio State, with a couple more to be added.”

The Reserve, La., native attended St. Augustine for eighth, ninth and 10th grades, including an all-state sophomore season last fall, before transferring to Edna Karr at the start of this football season.

Rumors swirled not only around New Orleans, but coast-to-coast, during the process as fans, college coaches and media alike attempted to track and unpack the situation, including his high school and college landing spots and his potential eligibility this fall.

Stewart’s statement added that “in the coming weeks I will address and clear up the misinformation and false narratives that have been put out,” but that he is focused now on training for his transition to college.

“I am thankful for all the love and support I have received during this time as well as the criticism and hate. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” the message concluded, with two references to the Marvel character Thanos, a nickname taken on by Stewart during the past couple years.

“Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.” — Thanos

“Dread it, run from it. Destiny arrives all the same, and now it’s here. Or should I say I am!” — Thanos

The 6-foot-6, 280-pound Stewart recorded 85 tackles, including 33 for loss and 20 sacks, as a sophomore before yet another impressive offseason on the camp circuit.

The Purple Knights (3-1, 1-0) and Cougars (3-0, 1-0) are scheduled to play Saturday night with the early lead in the New Orleans Catholic League race on the line.

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