Friday Feature #7: Ja’Kobi Lane

USC is ranked in the Top 25 and takes on Nebraska this weekend with a chance to bounce back from their defeat to Notre Dame 2 weeks ago. Speaking of that Notre Dame game, Ja’Kobi Lane stole the show a bit with 6 catches for 111 yards and a TD, while also forcing 3 defensive pass interference penalties. He is part of a stacked USC receiving corps that could have multiple Top 50 picks by the time next April rolls around. Check out my detailed scouting report on Lane below:

Background & Measurables

Name: Ja'Kobi Lane

Year: Junior

Size: 6’4, 200 pounds

Position/Scheme Fit: Deep-Threat receiver in a Spread offense

Former 4-star recruit out of Red Mountain HS in Mesa, Arizona, back in 2023. He committed to USC over both Arizona schools amid some SEC competition. He saw action in 6 games as a Freshman, recording 7 catches for 93 yards and 2 TDs. He played sparingly until getting his chance in the Holiday Bowl against Louisville, where he had 60 yards and a TD to really kickstart his USC career.

That led to a productive Sophomore season, where he played in all 13 games, making 8 starts for the Trojans. He recorded 43 receptions for 525 yards and 12 TDs to lead USC in receiving and was ranked No.5 in the nation in receiving TDs. He once again showed his penchant for Bowl games, as he was named the Las Vegas Bowl MVP after a 127-yard, 3 TD performance vs Texas A&M.

He was named to the Biletnikoff award watchlist ahead of the 2025 season and to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000. His best game of the year came vs. Notre Dame, but he has also had solid performances vs. Purdue and Georgia Southern, forming a potent duo with Makai Lemon.

Detailed Scouting Report

Strengths

1. Shows excellent concentration and a good catch radius. Able to extend his hands outside his body to make tough catches on go balls. Has only 6 drops since the start of the 2024 season.

2. Shows a good aptitude and attitude towards blocking. Blocked downfield vs LSU on the winning TD and on a huge run vs Michigan, while generally playing unselfishly in the run blocking game.

3. Great redzone target. Solid contested catch numbers, which probably would be higher if not for some DPI penalties. Had 12 receiving TDs in 2024 and has a further 3 in 2025, with 2 coming in the past 2 games despite not being the leading receiver in terms of targets.

4. Drew back-to-back pass interference penalties vs Notre Dame (3 overall) while also having his best game of the season statistically. Was the go-to man for Maiava time and again in that game and is a real handful for corners in the modern NFL.

Development Points

1. Still a bit raw on film, particularly in his understanding of the offense and route running. Got called for a ridiculous OPI/personal foul penalty against LSU near the goalline and can be a bit too laxadaisical on some of his routes when he's not the primary.

2. Not an overly dynamic player after the catch. Only averaged 3 yards of YAC per reception in 2024 and isn't really a threat to house it unless he makes a deep reception or is untouched.

3. I don't know that he is a real burner on film. Not a great deal of separation on his routes and tends to win more with scheme rather than flat-out beating DBs to the spot with quickness or acceleration. Also doesn't look like he's always going 100% on every rep.

4. Struggles to break free of physical coverage. Can be redirected at the top of his stems and struggles to work back to the ball when played up tight in press coverage.

Conclusion

Lane is part of a stacked USC receiving corps, including possible first-rounder Makai Lemon. Lane is not far behind as the Junior shows a rare ability to climb the ladder and make tough catches, while also flashing high-level route running. He is more of a projection and there is quite a bit of raw film in his 2024 and 2025 tape, but I could see a team taking a flyer on him in the 2nd round and betting on the upside. In my opinion, Lane is a name to watch in the 2026 Draft cycle.

Grade: 6.7/9.0 (2nd round grade)

Player Comp: George Pickens

Team Fits: Cowboys, Bills, Raiders, Chiefs