USC wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane is heading to the NFL. The junior officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Monday, joining safety Kamari Ramsey as the first underclassmen from the Trojans to make the leap this year.
Lane’s journey to this point has been a steady climb. After playing a reserve role as a true freshman in 2023, he stepped into a starting role over the past two seasons and became a reliable weapon in USC’s offense. He wraps up his college career with 99 catches, 1,363 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns - numbers that reflect both his consistency and his knack for big plays.
And speaking of big plays, Lane certainly knew how to shine under the Vegas lights. In the 2024 season opener against LSU, he hauled in a 28-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter that gave USC the lead - a moment that set the tone for his breakout season.
Fast forward to the Las Vegas Bowl against Texas A&M, and Lane delivered again, this time with seven catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns. That performance earned him game MVP honors and cemented his reputation as a big-game performer.
While Lane didn’t quite match the statistical output of teammate Makai Lemon this past season, his physical tools - particularly his size and strength - make him an intriguing Day 2 prospect. He brings a physical presence to the position that NFL teams covet, and his ability to win contested catches and make plays in the red zone could translate well at the next level.
Lane’s decision to enter the draft signals the next chapter in a career that’s been marked by steady development and timely production. He may not have been the flashiest receiver in the country, but his combination of size, toughness, and clutch performances could make him a valuable addition to an NFL roster come April.