Only three USC Trojans were drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, all within the first five rounds. The remaining players quickly signed undrafted free agent deals with various NFL teams.
Key points
Three USC Trojans were drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft.
All drafted players were selected in the first five rounds.
Makai Lemon signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Remaining Trojans quickly found NFL teams after the draft.
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USC Trojans
Philadelphia EaglesMakai Lemon
The USC Trojans had many players who were worthy of being drafted by an NFL organization. This year, however, only three Trojans got drafted, all in the first five rounds. However, it did not take very long for each of the remaining Trojans to find homes after the NFL draft.
Here is where each of the USC Trojans has landed this NFL draft:
The Eagles made one of the biggest and most surprising moves of night one, acquiring Makai Lemon. The Eagles know they will be sending top 10 receiver A.J. Brown away to his next NFL home, so they moved with urgency to get a weapon with potential to be top 10 himself in Makai Lemon.
It has been overdue, but the Ravens finally got their playmaker on the outside for Lamar Jackson in the 3rd round pick 80. Lane actually went higher than many expected, but the Ravens have huge confidence in him and this selection. Everything Lane did for Maiava in his first season starting, he can be that same security blanket for Lamar.
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In the first pick of the 5th round, the Texans bet on the track record of all the USC Trojans being a hit as they take another one this draft. Hosuton never cares if it is a need or not; they still add guys they think can make a difference, and Kamari Ramsey is that guy.
Lake McRee - Pittsbugh Steelers
Lake McRee went undrafted, but it was not long until he was picked up by a contending team. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a winning culture, and a culture that McRee would fit in like a glove. He could end up being an undrafted free agent who makes the 53, with his reliability and his ability to block.
Bishop Fitzgerald, I thought for sure was going to hear his name in one of the 7 rounds, but as soon as the draft ended, Fitzgerald found a new home. Robert Saleh is one of the better defensive coaches in the league, and he is getting a versatile safety that can get interceptions at a high rate, and also be physical in stopping the run.
Eric Gentry is a potential difference maker at linebacker with a ton of upside. He has versatility, and his size brings a unique edge to what he can possibly add to a defense. The Bengals needed as much defensive help as possible this season. With a young linebacker room, Gentry will be a nice addition to bolster that group.
DeCarlos Nicholson is an experienced rookie coming into the NFL, who will be 25 during the season, but his experience could be a good thing in Cleveland. Last season with the Trojans, he had 42 tackles, 1 sack, 4 pass breakups, and 1 interception. He has traits to be a player the Cleveland Browns can hold onto, whether that is even just being on the practice squad.
Keshawn Silver is a versatile defensive tackle with great size, plays with great quickness, and his 40 time backs that up as he ran a 4.90. There are some things to like in his game, as he also brings a great amount of experience to the fold.
Anthony Lucas has the size and some traits that make him a developmental prospect worth taking a chance on. Unfortunately, he didn't hear his name called in the 7 rounds, but getting a chance with the Detroit Lions is a great outcome nevertheless. Aidan Hutchinson has been a force in the NFL. He can work with him, and the Lions have gotten production out of a lot of young defensive talent as of late.
Here are some Trojans that have been invited to rookie minicamps:
Richardson was an underrated weapon in the Trojans ' receiver room, and versus TCU in the bowl game, he got his shot to show what he can do. He only needed 2 catches to find the endzone. In many other programs, Richardson's numbers would have been better, but now he heads to KC with a chance to prove himself.
DJ Wingfield was not a factor for the Trojans this season, but during his time with the Purdue Boilermakers and New Mexico, he had enough creditable tape to get a chance to prove himself for the winning organization that is the Denver Broncos.
DJ Harvey was solid in the action he saw this season. In 2025, he posted just 7 tackles and 5 pass breakups in 8 games this season. In 2024, he made his money at San Jose State, where he had 58 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 7 tackles for a loss. The serviceable corner, now, is on his way to the Atlanta Falcons to compete.
