RECRUITING: 3-Star DE Flips from Big 12 to Big Ten

Stewart, 6-foot-3 and 230-pounds, initially committed to the Cowboys on February 20^th, but changed his mind after taking an official visit to Illinois over the weekend. Playing his high school football at Pearland (TX), he finished his junior season with 52 tackles and 10 sacks.

Coming off a horrible 2024 season, this is a loss for the Cowboys, who are now down to 12 Class of 2026 commitments. This also leaves only one committed defensive end, Landon Bland of Carthege (MO), in the class, so expect Oklahoma State to turn their attention to a couple of new targets at the position.

For Illinois, Stewart is the 19^th Class of 2026 commitment and third defensive end, joining Parker Crim of Lima (OH) and Jacob Alexander of Frankfort (IL). Opposite of Oklahoma State, the Illini enjoyed a very promising 2024 season and are turning that momentum into a successful recruiting class.