USC Football Programs Three Players Selected in 2026 NFL Draft
The USC football program continues its tradition of developing professional talent following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft. Three standout Trojans were selected during the event, marking the second consecutive year that head coach Lincoln Riley has produced a three-man draft class.
The selections were led by a high-profile first-round pick, followed by additions to professional rosters in the third and fifth rounds. This output places USC in a similar tier to programs like Duke, Utah, South Carolina, TCU, and Illinois for the 2026 cycle.
While the volume of picks is lower than the program’s peak in 2009—when 11 Trojans were drafted—USC maintained its 25-year streak of having at least one player selected within the first three rounds of the draft.
Makai Lemon Headlines Class as First-Round Selection
Wide receiver Makai Lemon was the first USC player off the board, securing a position in the first round. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Lemon with the No. 20 overall pick to bolster their offensive weapons.
Leading up to the draft, many analysts had projected Lemon to be selected earlier. Common mock drafts linked him to the Los Angeles Rams at pick No. 13, but the Rams opted for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson instead.
- Player: Makai Lemon
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Draft Round: 1st Round
- Overall Pick: No. 20
- NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Ja’Kobi Lane Joins Baltimore Ravens in Third Round
The second Trojan selected was wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane. The Baltimore Ravens targeted the productive USC pass-catcher to provide more depth to their receiving corps during the draft’s second day.
Lane was taken in the third round with the 80th overall pick. His selection ensured that USC’s historical streak of early-round draft picks remained intact for another year.
- Player: Ja’Kobi Lane
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Draft Round: 3rd Round
- Overall Pick: No. 80
- NFL Team: Baltimore Ravens
Houston Texans Land Kamari Ramsey in Fifth-Round Steal
Safety Kamari Ramsey was the final USC player selected, going to the Houston Texans in the fifth round. Despite being considered by some analysts as a top talent for Day 2 of the draft, Ramsey remained available until pick No. 141.
Ramsey is a 6-foot, 202-pound defensive back who demonstrated elite speed at the NFL combine. He recorded a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, which caught the attention of Houston General Manager Nick Caserio.
Analyst Cole Thompson described the pick as a \”steal\” for Houston. Ramsey’s versatility is a primary factor in his professional appeal, as he excelled in multiple roles during his final two years with the Trojans.
Reuniting the USC Secondary in Houston
The addition of Ramsey continues a specific trend for the Houston Texans under Nick Caserio. The franchise has shown a clear preference for USC defensive backs in recent draft cycles.
Ramsey will be reunited with former Trojan teammates in the Texans’ secondary. This group includes Pro Bowl safety Calen Bullock, who was drafted in 2024, and Jaylin Smith, who joined the team as a late Day 2 pick in 2025.
- Kamari Ramsey: Selected at No. 141 overall in 2026.
- Jaylin Smith: Joined Houston in 2025 as a Day 2 selection.
- Calen Bullock: Earned Pro Bowl honors after being drafted in 2024.
Strategic Roles Under Coach DeMeco Ryans
Houston Head Coach DeMeco Ryans is known for a defensive philosophy that emphasizes moving personnel around to create favorable matchups. Ramsey’s physical profile makes him an ideal fit for this scheme.
Experts anticipate that Ramsey will contribute as both a traditional safety and a nickel corner. His experience allows him to take on multiple roles within the defense immediately.
The presence of multiple former Trojans in the same unit is expected to facilitate chemistry. Analysts suggest it would not be surprising to see both Ramsey and Bullock sharing the field simultaneously next season.
Historical Context and Program Recruiting Status
With these three selections, USC continues its close race with Notre Dame for the most all-time NFL draft picks. The Fighting Irish currently hold a narrow lead with 545 selections compared to USC’s 541.
Under Lincoln Riley, the program is shifting its focus toward high school recruiting to improve draft volume. While eight of the 17 players drafted in 2024 were transfers, the 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked as the best in the nation.
The 2026 draft performance was as follows:
| Player Name | NFL Team | Draft Round | Pick Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makai Lemon | Philadelphia Eagles | 1st Round | 20 |
| Ja’Kobi Lane | Baltimore Ravens | 3rd Round | 80 |
| Kamari Ramsey | Houston Texans | 5th Round | 141 |
USC Baseball Dominance at Dedeaux Field
In addition to football success, the USC baseball program has seen significant results this season. The team has remained nearly unbeatable while playing at their home stadium, Dedeaux Field.
The “Dedeaux Field effect” has become a central storyline for the Trojans’ season. The home-field advantage has provided a necessary boost as the program looks to maintain its winning momentum.
You can follow more updates on the Latest NFL Draft News and track the performance of the USC Trojans College Football program as they prepare for the next season.
