In the most recent NFL draft, the first round went by without a single USC Trojan hearing his named called. This next year has the potential to be different. The Trojans could have multiple players hear their name on Day 1. With the talent on the offensive side of the ball the Trojans could see two receivers be drafted in the first round a familiar recent trend with other big time wide receiver universities like LSU.

In the latest Sports Illustrated feature on the Trojans Kendall Holland weighs in on which USC Trojans have the best shot to hear their named called day 1 in next year’s draft.

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“Junior receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon would be the first two names that come to mind on the offensive side of the ball,” Holland wrote. “Lane, a former four-star recruit from Mesa, Arizona earned early playing time as a freshman but then went almost two months without seeing the field. He found his way back into the rotation late in the year, which included a two-touchdown performance in the Holiday Bowl against Louisville. His performance at Petco Park gave Trojan fans a glimpse of what to expect from Lane as a sophomore. He caught 12 touchdowns (5th in country) in 2024 playing limited snaps. It pegs the question, what would Lane’s production look like if he stayed on the field more often? That question will be answered in a couple of months. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid has rated Lane as the No. 1 receiver on his board heading into the fall. Lane is a highly competitive receiver with an incredible catch radius. He’s a quarterback’s best friend because even when he’s covered, he’s open.

“Lemon was also a four-star recruit in the same recruiting class as Lane coming out of Los Alamitos (Calif.). As a freshman, he played both on sides of the ball, before becoming a full-time receiver in 2024. He recorded his first career touchdown in Week 2 against Utah State. In Week 4, Lemon suffered a scary injury when he collided with a Michigan player in the first quarter while covering a punt. He missed one game and when returned to lineup, he quickly found his stride in Lincoln Riley’s offense and as an electric returner in the kicking game. Lemon is dynamic with the ball in his hands as a receiver and in the return game. He has the ability to shift momentum at any moment in two phases of the game. He’s crafty and explosive as route runner in the slot. Lemon displays an advanced understanding of coverages and knows how to find the soft spot against zone defense.

“Lemon had three consecutive games in October in which he recorded a new career-high in receptions or receiving yards. His breakout performance came against Rutgers in Week 9 when he posted 256 all-purpose, the most by USC player since Adoree’ Jackson in 2016. Lemon finished first on the team in receptions (52) and receiving yards (764). The Southern California native has drawn strong comparisons to former USC receiver and current Detroit Lions All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown. Coincidentally, national draft analyst Todd McShay has the Lions taking Lemon in the first-round of his mock draft. PFF rates Lemon as the No. 1 receiver for the 2026 NFL draft.”

There is still some time until next year’s draft, but a lot of excitement is brewing about the USC Trojans’ two star receivers. Lincoln Riley could have his next CeeDee Lamb and Hollywood Brown in the building for this season.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Offensive players for USC football with 1st-round NFL draft potential