USC Trojans Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley announces key players missing Alamo Bowl: Several starters, including wide receivers Makai Lemon, JaKobi Lane, and tight end Lake McRee, will be absent due to NFL Draft or injuries. Freshman Tanook Hines and others will step up on offense, while defensive players like Kamari Ramsey, Eric Gentry, and Anthony Lucas will also miss the game. Freshman defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart played the entire season with a stress fracture. Starting left tackle Elijah Paige and center Kilian OConnor are out for surgery, but quarterback Jayden Maiava and running back Waymond Jordan are expected to play.

USC Trojans standout players Makai Lemon and JaKobi Lane are set to enter the NFL draft, showcasing their potential as impactful rookies. Lemon, a wide receiver, had an award-winning season with 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. Hes expected to be a highly sought-after playmaker, with potential landing spots including the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Kansas City Chiefs. Lane, another USC receiver, demonstrated great promise with his ability to win fifty-fifty balls and finished the season with 49 catches for 745 yards and 4 touchdowns. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Commanders could be excellent fits for Lane.

USC football coach Lincoln Riley discusses the upcoming Alamo Bowl against TCU, highlighting key player absences, injuries, and the opportunity for younger players to shine.

Head coach Lincoln Riley announces defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewarts absence from the Alamo Bowl due to a significant foot injury. Stewart, a standout freshman, played the entire season with a stress fracture, showcasing resilience and commitment. Other Trojans, including wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, defensive backs Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald, tight end Lake McRee, linebacker Eric Gentry, offensive linemen Killian O’Connor and Elijah Paige, and defensive lineman Anthony Lucas, will also not be playing. Lane and Ramsey have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Trojans face TCU in the Alamo Bowl on December 30th at 6 PM Pacific Time on ESPN.

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is staying in college for another year, prioritizing development and NIL earnings over an immediate NFL draft. This decision, influenced by his teammate Jayden Maiava, highlights a growing trend among top college players to weigh the benefits of another year in college versus entering the draft.

USC Safety Kamari Ramsey, a former UCLA recruit, has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. After a strong 2024 season with the Trojans, injuries limited his 2025 performance. Despite the setbacks, he earned All-Big Ten honorable mention. Projected for day two or three of the draft, Ramsey embarks on his professional football journey.

USCs JaKobi Lane Shocks with NFL Draft Declaration; Trojans Face Major Departures Ahead of Alamo Bowl

Kamari Ramsey, USCs safety, declares for NFL Draft, leaving a void in Trojans secondary. Ramsey, who transferred from UCLA, recorded 27 tackles in 9 games, missing 3 due to injury. His absence was felt in 2 losses. USC, aiming for College Football Playoff, relies on newcomers like Carrington Pierce and Elbert Hill the Fourth, along with returning players like Christian Pierce, Bishop Fitzgerald, and DeCarlos Nicholson.

USCs defense gets a boost with key players returning for 2026 season.