2026 Football Roster
Jersey Number 23
Jaylen Stewart
- Position:
- LB
- Class:
- Freshman
- Height:
- 6-3
- Weight:
- 225
- Hometown:
- Houston, Texas
- High School:
- Pearland
High School
- Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals
- Position ranks: #69 (247), #82 (Rivals), #88 (ESPN)
- State ranks: #92 (247), #105 (ESPN), #105 (Rivals)
- Played for head coach B.J. Gotte at Pearland
- Team captain as a junior and senior
- Four-year varsity letterwinner
- 132 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss, along with 17 sacks during his high school career
- 2024 First Team All-District, 2025 Second Team All-District (UIL 6A Region III District 22)
- Also participated in basketball and track at Pearland
- Other offers included Baylor, Kansas, Houston, Oklahoma State, SMU, USC, Auburn, Utah, Arizona, Arizona State and Texas
Personal
- Born July 18, 2007
- Son of Rickeva Alexander and Jarred Stewart
- One sister, Ava Mariah
Illinois Football | Bret Bielema Press Conference 3/5/26
Thursday, March 05
Illinois Football | Bobby Hauck Introductory Press Conference 2/12/26
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Illinois Football | Bret Bielema Press Conference 2/4/26
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Illinois Football | Xavier Scott Return Announcement Press Conference Press Conference 1/21/26
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