The USC Trojans are in the middle of their spring training program, and one unit that has a ton of buzz is the wide receiver room. While most of the national media spoke more about the departures of Zachariah Branch and Duce Robinson, the focus should be on the return of Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane.
Both Lemon and Lane had solid 2024 campaigns, but the overall usage of the room was questionable, and there were just too many mouths to feed last year.
Makai Lemon is poised to be a true every-down receiver who can move the chains in just about every situation. He is a top-tier route runner, has tremendous hands, and has the size and speed that gives him the ability to move all over the field.
Ja’Kobi Lane is a game-wrecking receiver. His size and jump-ball ability make him nearly impossible to cover.
However, The Big Ten Huddle, a podcast covering all things Big Ten, must have either forgotten about Lane or does not believe in his ability to take over this season.
USC Trojans Ja’Kobi Lane Left Off List Ranking Top 10 WRs In Big Ten
The Big Ten Huddle dropped their rankings for Big Ten WRs heading into the 2025 season, and surprisingly, Ja’Kobi Lane was not included. They did include Makai Lemon, ranking him 5th in the conference.
Here is their full list:
- Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
- Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
- Evan Stewart, Oregon
- Carnell Tate, Ohio State
- Makai Lemon, USC Trojans
- Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (TE)
- Devonte Ross, Penn State
- Dakorien Moore, Oregon
- Max Kalre, Ohio State (TE)
- Nick Marsh, Michigan State
Ranking the best receivers in Big Ten football for 2025, according to @espn pic.twitter.com/unDPgEKCTF
— The Big Ten Huddle 🎙️ (@TheBigTenHuddle) April 11, 2025
I don’t think anyone would argue with putting the phenom that is Jeremiah Smith at the top spot, but there is definitely room for debate after that.
Sarratt has been very productive and consistent during his time at Indiana and will be heavily featured in the Hoosiers’ offense.
Evan Stewart was the big transfer last year from Texas A&M to Oregon, but he had a fairly underwhelming 2024 season. He certainly has talent and can become more dominant this year, but we have to see it in the Oregon offense with a new quarterback.
Also Read: Latest Intel On USC Trojans Interest In QB Nico Iamaleava
Dakorien Moore looks to be a fantastic talent, but he is an incoming freshman, so his success is pure assumption and projection.
Two tight ends above Lane?
We could go over the entire list, but the fact is that Lane finished last season with 12 touchdowns, good enough for 2nd in the entire Big Ten. He added 43 catches and 525 yards.
With an established chemistry with USC Trojans QB Jayden Maiava and a simple rotation that features him and Lemon, I would not be shocked if both of these numbers more than double and his touchdowns remain in the double digits.
So far, through USC Trojans spring camp, Lane has been making highlight-reel catch after highlight-reel catch.
even when he’s not open… 🎱 is open@cantGuardJak1 pic.twitter.com/5yHfWlFYEj
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) March 30, 2025
2025 will not be a breakout season for Lane because he already did that in 2025 with his 500+ yards and 12 touchdowns. 2025 will be a season of reckoning for him to establish himself as one of the best wide receivers in not just the Big Ten, but the Country.