NFL Draft Recap: Makai Lemon set to replace former All-Pro in Philadelphia

The USC pipeline to the NFL remains robust as three more Trojans found homes in the 2026 Draft. Wide receiver Makai Lemon led the group as the No. 20 overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by fellow wideout Ja’Kobi Lane, who headed east to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 80. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans continued their fascination with the USC secondary, selecting safety Kamari Ramsey in the fifth round.

Makai Lemon’s path to Philadelphia was anything but predictable. In a rare move between rivals, the Eagles struck a draft-day trade with the Dallas Cowboys to leapfrog the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 20. The timing was cinematic as Lemon was actually on the phone with the Steelers when his agent broke the news that the Eagles had hijacked the pick to secure the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner. After a quick hang-up, Lemon found himself on the line with Eagles GM Howie Roseman. As he walked across the stage to the glow of his No. 6 USC highlights, it marked yet another first-round success story for head coach Lincoln Riley.

Philadelphia Eagles make a savvy draft move to select USC WR Makai Lemon with 20th pick

Not long after Lemon’s big moment, fellow wideout and USC fan favorite Ja'Kobi Lane heard his own name called on Day 2. The Baltimore Ravens jumped at the chance to add one of the draft's most physically gifted pass-catchers to Lamar Jackson’s arsenal. For head coach Lincoln Riley, seeing both Lemon and Lane go early was a massive "I told you so" moment. Riley had famously prioritized keeping this duo even as other receivers hit the transfer portal, and Draft weekend provided the ultimate proof that he bet on the right talent.

Closing out the draft for USC was safety Kamari Ramsey, who continues the blossoming "Trojan-to-Texans" pipeline. With his selection at No. 141, Ramsey becomes the fourth USC product headed to Houston in just three years, joining former teammates Calen Bullock (2024), Jaylin Smith (2025), and running back Woody Marks (2025).

Ramsey’s landing spot feels like a natural fit. As a defensive captain who spent his collegiate career mastering D’Anton Lynn’s system, he brings a high football IQ and proven leadership to a secondary already familiar with his style of play. His selection also served as a milestone for the program, marking the third Trojan off the board within the first 150 picks. Between the existing chemistry with his former teammates and his tactical versatility, Ramsey couldn't have asked for a better professional starting point than Houston.

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