USC football WR Ja’Kobi Lane inexplicably left off Big Ten receiver list

Not sure how, but USC football wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane is being undervalued by the rest of the conference. For someone who has a good chance of winning the Biletnikoff Award before leaving the Trojans, most would think that he'd be considered good enough to crack the top-10 BIG WR list. Apparently that isn't the case, however.

Granted, spring ball allows for media and other fan bases to make early judgments on how the fall will play out. By the time conference play gets going, it's safe to say that anyone who still somehow has Lane outside of their top 5 in the BIG will realize their grave mistake. It's doubtful that there will be a repentance or public 180, but everyone will know.

All Lane does is make plays. As an upperclassman, coach Lincoln Riley will expect him to be a leader through his play and otherwise, but the HC has noted that the junior is going about everything the right way and will be a stable locker room presence for the Cardinal and Gold.

Considering his connection with Jayden Maiava and the increased chemistry those two are developing throughout spring camp, by the time August rolls around, the Trojan offense will be a well-oiled machine. Taking too much of clips is a risky undertaking, but the few highlights that fans have seen from him over the past weeks should indicate that he will produce at an elite level in 2025.

CFB needs to get caught up on USC football receiver

How the conversation has moved to him potentially not being a top wideout in the conference is something of a mystery. His skill set and familiarity within the system should see him in elevated conversations in terms of how good he is compared to the likes of Jeremiah Smith, Eric Rivers, and Jordyn Tyson.

Luckily for USC football fans, something like this can only help. Not being included in something that he should comfortably be listed in can only serve as a motivating factor. All of the greats find ways to keep themselves engaged and focused on improving. Lane has a good added reason to show out at the Coliseum this year. When he proves himself to be a top WR in the nation, those who pay attention all year round will be able to point out how he wasn't even considered for conference recognition and will remember.