2026 NFL draft will see several USC players drafted during the early rounds

There is a lot of NFL talent currently on the USC roster. When also considering the incoming recruiting classes, the Trojans are going to return to being the unquestioned top-tier pro factory in college football. The SEC has enjoyed being at the top of the sport for a while now. Georgia in particular is a school that has done well to send people on to the next level and is likely to remain that way. Alabama has as well over the past years; however, how the Crimson Tide will look without coach Nick Saban remains a question.

Focusing on USC, there could easily be multiple first-round picks during the 2026 NFL draft that take the field for the Trojans this year.

First, Jayden Maiava needs to be considered as a possibility for this. By virtue of being the quarterback in coach Lincoln Riley offense, Maiava is going to be in a great position to showcase his abilities and garner a lot of attention. All it takes is one good year as a starter. There is an incredibly high floor for Maiava as the USC QB, and the potential is promising.

If Maiava is able to lead this team to a double-digit winning year, for example, then NFL teams will almost be forced to consider taking him early off the board.

Top USC prospects outside of quarterback

Sticking on the offensive side of the ball, Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane are incredible talents. For a league that is all about helping out the quarterback, having someone who is able to make plays from a wideout position is a constant need. NFL teams will rarely, if ever, view their WR room as too full to use a top pick on a highly skilled receiver.

When going a step further in terms of helping the quarterback, the athletes on the line are arguably the most important. Elijah Paige has established himself already as one of the top tackles in the nation. He, too, is someone who could end up receiving an invite to the draft and hearing his name early on the first day by the time 2026 rolls around.