For the sixth straight year, at least three USC Trojans have been selected in the NFL draft, which was hosted in Pittsburgh this year. With the selections, 536 Trojans have been drafted by NFL teams, the second-most by a program all-time behind Notre Dame (541).
Seven Trojans were invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Three were drafted this weekend. More USC players could find their NFL home through undrafted free agency, but let’s break down the ones who had their names called in Pittsburgh.
Makai Lemon – WR, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles soared over the Pittsburgh Steelers’ No. 21 pick and traded up to select Lemon at No. 20 overall. There was a 4% chance he would be available at 20, according to ESPN analytics.
The moment that Makai Lemon found out the Eagles were trading up to get him at No. 20 while he was the on the phone with the Steelers, who were planning to take him at No. 21. pic.twitter.com/Iqv7wfzbtu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2026
Many analysts projected Lemon to go No. 13 to the Los Angeles Rams, largely due to receiver Davante Adams’ dwindling contract and general manager Les Snead’s presence at USC’s pro day in March. The Rams instead selected former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
In his final season at USC, Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award, garnered First Team All-American honors, and led the Power Four in receiving yards (1,156). He led the Big Ten in yards after catch (502) and tied for most receiving touchdowns in the conference (11).
In Philadelphia, Lemon will line up with fellow Biletnikoff winner DeVonta Smith, one of only four receivers to win the Heisman Trophy. It’s still unclear what will happen with Eagles wideout A.J. Brown among growing trade rumors regarding him and the New England Patriots, so Lemon could play a critical role in Philly’s offense going forward.
Ja’Kobi Lane – WR, Baltimore Ravens
Drafted No. 80 overall, Lane joins Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman in the Ravens’ receiving room, which lost Tylan Wallace and DeAndre Hopkins to free agency. Baltimore also drafted former Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt with the 115th overall pick.
At 6’4” and 200 pounds, Lane is known for using his size to create separation. His unique physicality and 50/50 ball prowess could make him a deep ball/redzone threat for quarterback Lamar Jackson, who hasn’t had many consistent outside threats in his career. New Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle emphasized physicality as one of the core tenets of his approach to this offense, and picking up Lane and Sarratt is a step in the right direction for that metric.
Lane’s standout season was his sophomore year, when he led the Trojans with 12 touchdowns, good for fifth most in the nation. He averaged 12.2 yards per catch in the regular season and garnered the Las Vegas Bowl MVP award behind three touchdown receptions. In 2025, he recorded 49 receptions for 745 yards and four touchdowns.
At USC’s pro day last month, Lane called himself “the best teammate in the draft,” saying it was “a dream come true” to experience the draft process with long-time teammate Lemon.
Kamari Ramsey – S, Houston Texans
The rich get richer.
With the first pick in the fifth round, the Texans selected Ramsey No. 141 overall, making him the fifth Trojan drafted to the team since 2024. Former USC safety Calen Bullock (2024, No. 78), defensive end Solomon Byrd (2024, No. 238), cornerback Jaylin Smith (2025, No. 97) and running back Woody Marks (2025, No. 116) have also found their football home in Houston.
But it isn’t the concentration of ‘Projans’ that makes the Texans’ pick so compelling: it’s the depth of talent in their defense.
Houston had the best defense in the league in 2025, allowing 277.2 opponent yards per game. Under defense-minded head coach Demeco Ryans, the Texans have simplified their approach, claiming the lowest blitz rate in the NFL and showcasing aggression on early downs. Corner Kamari Lassiter and Bullock (“Hawk and Lock” to Texans fans) were both Pro Bowlers last season. Jalen Pitre has evolved into a compelling nickel defender. Houston is an exciting landing spot for a young developing defensive back.
The Texans prize versatility in their DBs, which Ramsey has demonstrated through his USC career, playing both safety and nickel corner. In two seasons at USC, Ramsey contributed 87 tackles (seven for loss) and was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
Free agency
Promptly following the NFL draft, the following former Trojans were signed in free agency:
- S Bishop Fitzgerald – Tennessee Titans
- TE Lake McRee – Pittsburgh Steelers
- DT Keeshawn Silver – New Orleans Saints
- CB DeCarlos Nicholson – Cleveland Browns
- LB Eric Gentry – Cincinnati Bengals
- EDGE Anthony Lucas – Detroit Lions
Three other players were invited to rookie minicamps by the following teams:
- WR Jaden Richardson – Kansas City Chiefs
- OL DJ Wingfield – Denver Broncos
- CB DJ Harvey – Atlanta Falcons
- P Sam Johnson – Las Vegas Raiders
A long legacy of Trojans in the NFL continues in 2026, as these players aim to make their mark on a new stage.