Josaiah Stewart Michigan EDGE: Rising Defensive Star Making Impact in 2025 Season

Josaiah Stewart has emerged as a dominant force for Michigan’s defensive front. The 6’1″, 248-pound EDGE rusher brings an impressive resume to the table with 30 career sacks, showcasing his ability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. Stewart’s combination of production, technical skill, and championship pedigree makes him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

Before transferring to Michigan, Stewart initially made his mark at Coastal Carolina. His transition to the Big Ten proved seamless as he continued his disruptive play and helped the Wolverines capture the 2023 national championship. NFL scouts have taken notice of his impressive hand size (9⅝”) and wingspan (78⅞”) which allow him to play bigger than his somewhat undersized frame.

Despite standing at just 6’1″, Stewart has consistently overcome height disadvantages with exceptional leverage and technical refinement. His performance across multiple conferences demonstrates adaptability and consistency – traits NFL teams value highly. His powerful first step and refined pass-rush moves have helped him dominate against elite offensive linemen, solidifying his status as a potential early-round selection.

Early Life and High School Career

Josaiah Stewart’s path to becoming a standout Michigan edge rusher began in Everett, Massachusetts, where he developed his football skills despite being relatively new to the sport. His journey from an unpolished freshman to a highly sought-after recruit showcases his exceptional work ethic and natural athleticism.

Recruitment and High School Achievements

Stewart attended high school in Everett, MA, where he was initially considered an “unnatural” football player as a freshman. Standing at 6’2″ and eventually filling out to 235 pounds, he transformed himself through relentless work ethic and determination.

Though born in the Bronx, NY, Stewart made his mark in Massachusetts high school football, developing into a formidable weak-side defensive end. Recruiting services like 247Sports identified him as a promising defensive talent worth watching.

His high school development is particularly impressive considering his late start in football. Stewart’s explosive first step and growing understanding of leverage techniques caught the attention of college scouts, including those from Coastal Carolina where he would initially begin his college career.

Stewart’s high school production elevated him to a three-star recruit status, demonstrating enough potential to earn multiple Division I offers despite not being among the highest-ranked prospects nationally.

College Career Overview

Josaiah Stewart burst onto the college football scene as a dominant edge rusher, showcasing remarkable ability to disrupt offenses across multiple programs. His journey from Coastal Carolina to Michigan demonstrated his versatility and consistent production against varying levels of competition.

Freshman Year Highlights

Stewart made an immediate impact at Coastal Carolina in 2021, becoming one of the most productive freshmen in the country. His debut season was nothing short of spectacular, setting a school record with 12.5 sacks as a true freshman.

The 6’1″ defensive end terrorized Sun Belt offensive lines, recording 43 tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss. Stewart’s explosive first step and natural bend around the edge made him virtually unblockable at times.

His performance earned him Freshman All-American honors and established him as one of the premier young pass rushers in college football. Most impressively, Stewart recorded multiple three-sack games, showing his ability to take over contests.

Freshman Year Stats (2021)	Total
Tackles	43
Tackles for Loss	15.5
Sacks	12.5

Sophomore Season Performance

Stewart’s sophomore campaign at Coastal Carolina saw him face increased attention from opposing offenses. While his sack production dipped slightly, he remained a disruptive force for the Chanticleers’ defense.

The Massachusetts native tallied 36 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2022. His ability to set the edge against the run became more pronounced, showing development as a complete defensive end.

Despite facing constant double teams, Stewart’s motor never wavered. His sophomore film displayed improved hand technique and counter moves, foreshadowing his eventual success against higher competition.

Following the season, Stewart entered the transfer portal seeking to test his skills against Power Five competition. This decision would prove crucial in elevating his draft stock.

Junior Year Contributions

Stewart transferred to Michigan for his junior season, immediately proving he could excel against elite competition. He racked up 5.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss while helping the Wolverines win a national championship.

His transition to Big Ten football was seamless. Stewart’s combination of speed and power translated perfectly to the higher level, and he became a key piece of Michigan’s dominant defense.

In 2024, Stewart built on that success with an even more impressive season. He collected 8.5 more sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, cementing his status as one of the nation’s premier edge defenders.

NFL scouts took notice of Stewart’s production against top-tier offensive linemen. His ability to bend the edge while maintaining the power to bull rush tackles made him a projected day two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Positional Analysis

Josaiah Stewart has emerged as one of Michigan’s standout defensive players. His combination of speed, power, and technique has made him a formidable presence on the edge, allowing him to disrupt opposing offenses in multiple ways.

Edge Rushing Skills

Stewart possesses explosive edge rushing ability that jumps off the film. His first-step quickness allows him to beat offensive tackles around the corner before they can set their feet.

At 6’1″ and 250 pounds, he uses his compact frame to his advantage, playing with excellent leverage against taller offensive linemen. This natural pad level gives him a distinct advantage when turning the corner.

Stewart’s bend around the edge is elite for the college level. He can contort his body while maintaining speed, a trait NFL scouts particularly value in edge defenders.

His production speaks volumes:

Season	Sacks	TFLs	Total Pressures
2023	4.5	7.0	25
2024	7.0	11.5	30

Currently projected as a Day 2 pick (Round 3-4) in the 2025 NFL Draft, Stewart’s rushing skills make him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking rotational pass rush help.

Run Defense Capabilities

While known primarily for his pass rushing, Stewart has developed into a reliable run defender. He sets a firm edge, using strong hands to control offensive tackles and tight ends.

His NFL Draft profile highlights his physicality at the point of attack. Though undersized by traditional standards, Stewart plays with tremendous leverage and power.

Stewart’s lateral quickness enables him to make plays outside his gap responsibility. He tracks down ball carriers from the backside with impressive pursuit speed.

His tackling has improved significantly since transferring to Michigan. The coaching staff has refined his technique, resulting in fewer missed tackles and more impactful stops behind the line of scrimmage.

What impresses most about Stewart is his motor against the run. He doesn’t take plays off, consistently fighting through blocks even when plays flow away from his side.

Pass Rush Technique

Stewart’s technical development under Michigan’s coaching staff has been remarkable. He’s not just an athlete—he’s becoming a craftsman at his position.

His hand usage has improved dramatically. Stewart now employs a diverse array of moves, including a devastating cross-chop that frequently puts offensive tackles off balance.

The film analysis reveals his refined counter moves when his initial rush is stopped. This ability to string together multiple techniques during a single rush separates good pass rushers from great ones.

Stewart’s pass rush grade of 86.3 ranked among the highest on Michigan’s defense. This metric reflects his consistent ability to pressure quarterbacks.

His understanding of angles and timing has matured significantly. Stewart now recognizes when to speed rush and when to convert speed to power, making him unpredictable for opposing linemen.

The technical growth paired with his natural athleticism projects well to the next level, though he’ll need to continue expanding his pass rush repertoire against NFL-caliber tackles.

Josaiah Stewart’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Josaiah Stewart has established himself as one of the premier edge rushers in college football. His time at Michigan has showcased both impressive physical tools and technical skills, though there are areas where NFL scouts believe he needs development.

Strengths Assessment

Stewart’s production jumps off the page with 30 career sacks, making him one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football. His two-year stint at Michigan yielded 14 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss, proving he can perform against elite competition.

At 6’1″ and 248 pounds, Stewart possesses exceptional leverage due to his compact frame. He combines this with impressive play strength that allows him to hold his own against larger offensive linemen.

His first-step quickness stands out on film, giving him an immediate advantage off the snap. Stewart has shown good bend and length that enables him to turn the corner effectively against offensive tackles.

Statistical Category	Career Total	At Michigan
Sacks	30	14
Tackles for Loss	N/A	21.5

Areas for Improvement

Despite his production, Stewart’s 6’1″ frame is considered undersized for an NFL edge rusher. This lack of prototypical size could limit his effectiveness against longer, more athletic NFL tackles.

Stewart needs to add upper body strength, according to scouts. While his natural leverage helps, additional strength would improve his ability to disengage from blockers in the run game.

His pass rush arsenal requires diversification. Stewart often relies on his athletic gifts rather than refined technique. Scouts note he’s not winning with a varied pass rush plan, which could limit his ceiling at the next level.

Currently projected as a Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Stewart could improve his stock by showing more consistency in run defense and developing counter moves when his initial rush is stopped.

Transfer to Michigan

Josaiah Stewart made a significant career move when he transferred to Michigan on December 18, 2022. This decision came shortly after he entered the transfer portal on December 6, marking a major step up from Coastal Carolina to a Power 5 program.

Adaptation to the Big Ten Conference

Stewart’s transition from Coastal Carolina to Michigan represented a substantial leap in competition level. The former Sun Belt standout had to adjust quickly to the physicality and talent level of the Big Ten, one of college football’s most prestigious conferences.

At 6’1″ and 245 pounds, Stewart wasn’t the prototypical Big Ten edge rusher. His smaller frame meant adapting his playing style, relying more on speed than raw power against larger offensive linemen.

Michigan’s defensive scheme provided a better fit for Stewart’s skill set. The Wolverines utilized him as more of a situational pass rusher, allowing him to showcase his impressive get-off and burst that had made him successful at Coastal Carolina.

The adjustment period showed in Stewart’s statistics, but his development curve trended upward as he became more comfortable in Michigan’s system.

Season	School	Games	Tackles	TFL	Sacks
2021	Coastal Carolina	13	43	15.5	12.5
2023	Michigan	14	32	5.0	4.5

Impact on the Michigan Defense

Stewart quickly carved out a role in Michigan’s defensive rotation. His versatility allowed defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to deploy him in multiple packages and situations.

On September 30, 2023, Stewart showed his potential against Nebraska when he recorded five tackles, displaying his ability to be productive against Big Ten competition. This performance highlighted his adaptation to the higher level of play.

As a situational rusher prospect, Stewart complemented Michigan’s defensive front with his speed off the edge. His presence added another dimension to an already formidable pass rush unit during Michigan’s championship season.

NFL scouts began taking notice of Stewart’s development at Michigan. Though projected as a rotational pass rusher at the NFL level, his improvement against top-tier competition boosted his draft stock for 2025.

Stewart’s transfer success story reinforced Michigan’s reputation as a program that could develop edge talent, following in the footsteps of recent NFL draftees from the position group.

Coaching and Mentoring

Behind every successful player stands a network of coaches and mentors who shape their development. Stewart’s journey at Michigan has been defined by strong guidance and team relationships that helped transform his raw talent into refined skill.

Influence of Coach Sherrone Moore

Coach Sherrone Moore has been instrumental in Stewart’s development as an elite edge rusher. After joining Michigan, Stewart found in Moore a mentor who recognized his potential and pushed him to refine his technique. Moore’s hands-on approach helped Stewart develop from an “unnatural high schooler” into a starting edge rusher for a National Championship team.

“Coach Moore saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself,” Stewart once said during a post-game interview. The coach’s belief translated into tangible results on the field.

Moore’s defensive schemes specifically leveraged Stewart’s explosiveness off the edge, creating opportunities for him to disrupt opposing offenses. This strategic coaching contributed to Stewart’s impressive stats.

Season	Sacks	TFLs	QB Pressures	Forced Fumbles
2024	8.5	11	27	3

Relationships with Seniors and Teammates

Stewart’s growth was also nurtured by his relationships with senior players on Michigan’s defense. Veterans like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant took Stewart under their wing, sharing insights on film study and technique refinement that accelerated his development.

The collaborative environment fostered by Michigan’s defensive unit allowed Stewart to absorb knowledge from multiple sources. His teammates describe him as both student and teacher—eager to learn while also helping younger players master the position.

During practice sessions, Stewart often paired with Graham to work on hand techniques that have become a signature part of his pass rush arsenal. This mentorship proved valuable as Stewart blossomed into a game-changing pass-rusher for Michigan’s defense.

The leadership qualities Stewart developed through these relationships have caught the attention of NFL scouts, who now project him as a potential Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Anticipation for the NFL Draft

As April 2025 approaches, Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart has positioned himself as one of the most intriguing edge rusher prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. His production at Michigan and physical traits have scouts taking notice, though questions remain about how his size will translate to the professional level.

Draft Projection and Stock

Stewart currently projects as a solid Day 2 selection, likely going somewhere in the second or third round. His impressive college resume featuring 30 career sacks has certainly caught attention from NFL teams needing pass rush help.

What’s particularly compelling about Stewart is his production despite being undersized. At approximately 6’1″ and 248 pounds (with NFL verification showing him slightly smaller at 6-0 7/8, 241 pounds), he doesn’t fit the prototypical NFL edge rusher mold.

Teams from the back half of the first round through the third round have shown interest. His performance at the upcoming combine will be crucial for solidifying or improving his draft position.

Stewart’s Draft Stock Indicators:

• Strengths: Production, explosiveness, technique
• Concerns: Size, ability to disengage from NFL tackles
• Best Fit Teams: Teams needing situational pass rushers

Comparison with Other Edge Rushers

In a fairly deep 2025 edge rushing class, Stewart finds himself just inside the top 10 at the position. What separates him from peers is his well-rounded game despite size limitations.

Stewart brings impressive first-step quickness, bend, and surprising length to the table. His 32¾” arms help compensate for his height disadvantage against taller offensive tackles.

Unlike some pure speed rushers in this class, Stewart has shown ability against the run, making him more than a one-dimensional prospect.

Edge Rusher	Height/Weight	Projected Round	Key Strength
Josaiah Stewart	6’1″/248 lbs	2nd-3rd	Technical skills
Competitor A	6’5″/265 lbs	1st	Size/Power
Competitor B	6’3″/255 lbs	2nd	Versatility

His film shows a player who wins with explosiveness and technique rather than overwhelming power, drawing comparisons to productive NFL edge rushers who succeeded despite similar size concerns.

Statistical Overview

Josaiah Stewart has built an impressive statistical profile that showcases his development as an elite edge rusher. His numbers tell the story of a consistently disruptive defensive force who has become one of Michigan’s most valuable defensive players.

Season-by-Season Statistics

Stewart’s journey began at Coastal Carolina where he burst onto the scene as a freshman with 12.5 sacks in 2021, immediately establishing himself as a pass-rushing threat. After another productive season with the Chanticleers, he transferred to Michigan.

At Michigan, Stewart has continued his upward trajectory. In his most recent season, he recorded 8.5 sacks and 22 solo tackles, demonstrating his ability to both rush the passer and play the run.

Season	School	Games	Total Tackles	Solo	TFL	Sacks	FF
2021	Coastal Carolina	12	43	28	15.5	12.5	3
2022	Coastal Carolina	12	36	16	10	3.5	1
2023	Michigan	14	48	25	9	6	0
2024	Michigan	9*	38	22	12.5	8.5	2

*Season in progress as of April 2025

Career Milestones and Records

Stewart’s career totals are remarkable, with 30 career sacks placing him among the most productive pass rushers in college football. His freshman campaign at Coastal Carolina set a program record for sacks in a season.

At Michigan, Stewart has continued to climb the program’s all-time sacks list. His tackle for loss numbers have been equally impressive, demonstrating his ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage.

NFL scouts have taken notice of Stewart’s production. Despite concerns about his size at 6’1″ and 248 pounds, his combination of speed and power at the edge position has him projected as a potential day two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Notable Games and Performances

Josaiah Stewart’s impact on Michigan’s defensive line was undeniable during his time with the Wolverines. His knack for disrupting offenses and making crucial plays in big moments helped cement his reputation as one of the most formidable edge rushers in college football.

Breakout Games

Stewart’s dominance was on full display during Michigan’s path to glory. Against Ohio State, he racked up 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to elevate in rivalry games. His disruptive edge presence kept the Buckeyes’ offensive line guessing throughout the contest.

In the College Football Playoff, Stewart truly made his mark. Against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, he delivered a masterclass in edge rushing, recording 1.5 sacks and 4 quarterback pressures. His ability to get past elite SEC offensive linemen raised eyebrows among NFL scouts.

Stewart’s journey to Michigan came after a successful stint in the Sun Belt, where he had already established himself as a formidable pass rusher. That experience translated seamlessly to Big Ten competition.

Key Matchups and Clutch Plays

When games hung in the balance, Stewart often delivered the crucial play. His fourth-quarter sack against Penn State forced a pivotal fumble that changed the momentum of a tight contest. Stewart’s polished swim move and varied technique consistently got him into the backfield at critical moments.

In the national championship game, Stewart’s edge containment was essential to Michigan’s defensive scheme. His discipline against the run and ability to pressure the quarterback without sacrificing gap responsibility showcased his complete skill set.

Opponent	Sacks	TFLs	QB Pressures
Ohio State	2.0	3.0	5
Alabama (Rose Bowl)	1.5	2.0	4
Penn State	1.0	2.5	6

NFL scouts have Stewart projected as a Day 2 selection, with some analysts suggesting he could climb into the late first round. His production at Michigan (14 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss) combined with his technical refinement make him an intriguing prospect with immediate rotational value and starting upside.

Extracurricular Activities and Community Involvement

Beyond the gridiron, Josaiah Stewart has established himself as a pillar in the Michigan community through his dedicated service and leadership initiatives. His commitment to giving back showcases the character that complements his on-field talents.

Volunteering and Charitable Events

Stewart has become a familiar face at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. There, he spends time with young patients during the off-season. His dedication to these visits hasn’t wavered despite his rigorous training schedule.

The defensive standout organized a holiday toy drive in December 2024. The drive collected over 500 gifts for underprivileged children in the Detroit metro area. This initiative gained significant support from teammates and the coaching staff.

Stewart also participates in Michigan’s annual “Big House, Big Heart” charity run. His involvement helped the 2024 event exceed its fundraising goal by 15%.

Following the devastating floods in his hometown last year, Stewart coordinated relief efforts among his Michigan teammates. Together, they gathered supplies and raised $25,000 for affected families.

Leadership Roles Outside of Football

Stewart serves on Michigan’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He represents football players in discussions about campus initiatives and NCAA policies. His advocacy for mental health resources has led to expanded services for all Wolverine athletes.

He founded the “Beyond the Edge” mentorship program. The program pairs Michigan football players with at-risk youth in Washtenaw County. Since its inception in 2023, the program has worked with over 40 local students.

Leadership Initiative	Year Founded	Impact
Beyond the Edge Mentorship	2023	40+ youth mentored
Student-Athlete Mental Health Advocacy	2024	Expanded services campus-wide
Team Community Service Coordinator	2024	1,500+ total volunteer hours

Stewart also leads summer football camps for elementary and middle school students. At these camps, he emphasizes both athletic skills and academic achievement. His camps have grown from 50 participants in 2023 to over 150 in 2024.

NFL scouts have noted Stewart’s community involvement as evidence of his character and leadership potential at the next level. These qualities complement his projected third-round draft status.

Personal Interests

Beyond the football field, Josaiah Stewart has cultivated a rich life that balances his athletic prowess with intellectual pursuits and diverse hobbies that help him maintain perspective in the high-pressure world of elite sports.

Academic Pursuits

Stewart has distinguished himself in the classroom at Michigan, majoring in Business Administration with a focus on entrepreneurship. His academic discipline mirrors his approach on the field – methodical, thorough, and forward-thinking.

Professors have noted his engagement in class discussions, particularly on topics related to sports management and business ethics.

He maintains a strong GPA despite the demanding schedule of a Division I athlete. According to teammates, Stewart often leads study groups before big exams, displaying the same leadership qualities that make him effective on the defensive line.

Stewart has expressed interest in pursuing an MBA after his football career. He has ambitions to potentially work in sports management or start his own business related to athletic training and development.

Non-Football Passions

When he’s not terrorizing quarterbacks or buried in textbooks, Stewart finds balance through several hobbies. He’s developed a reputation as an accomplished chess player. During road trips, he often challenges teammates to matches.

Music plays a significant role in Stewart’s life as well. He taught himself to play guitar during his sophomore year and occasionally performs at team functions. This creative outlet provides him with mental refreshment from the rigors of football and academics.

Stewart is also deeply involved in community service. He volunteers regularly with youth football camps in Ann Arbor. He particularly focuses on mentoring young defensive players from underprivileged backgrounds, sharing both technical skills and life lessons.

His teammates report that Stewart has a surprising talent for cooking. He often hosts team dinners where he prepares meals inspired by his Louisiana heritage.