USC receiver Makai Lemon addressed reporters in a press conference shortly after he declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. It felt like a step toward closure on his time with the Trojans, but also reassurance for the future at USC.
“I realized that I can be a resource to help the younger guys, knowing that they look up to me in certain ways on and off the field,” Lemon said. “Just try to be the best example and the best person that I can be to lead the younger guys and make sure that they go in the right direction.”
Lemon and fellow receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, who also declared for the draft, were two of the biggest offensive pieces this season. The Trojans have no choice but to move forward, and their former receivers have set a standard for the returners and incoming skill players to recognize.
The wide receiver room is brimming with both returning and new talent. Tanook Hines, who started at receiver last season, is coming back and six receivers join the Trojans from the 2026 signing class, which was ranked as the best in the nation.
There’s also plenty of returning talent at running back in Waymond Jordan and King Miller, who both started at the position at different points in the season. Riley Wormley, who received increased playing time in the Alamo Bowl, is also coming back and two incoming freshmen will join the group, too.
The tight end group will be the most changed next season, especially after losing Lake McRee and Walker Lyons, who both started at the position this season.
USC’s offense will still be humming; it’s just a matter of which pieces get plugged in and where.
As the first transfer-portal window has wrapped – although exceptions are always possible – here’s a full breakdown of the movement at USC’s skill positions entering spring, the second in a six-part series examining the post-portal scholarship outlook for every part of the roster.
Running back
Returning: Waymond Jordan, Jr.; Riley Wormley, Fr.; King Miller, R-Fr.; Cian McKelvey, R-Soph.
Arriving: Deshonne Redeaux (Oaks Christian); Shahn Alston (Harvey)
Departing: Eli Sanders, R-Sr. (NFL Draft); Bryan Jackson, So. (Portal, Wisconsin); Harry Dalton, Fr. (Maryland)
Wide receiver
Returning: Zacharyus Williams, Soph.; Jay Fair, Sr.; Tanook Hines, Fr.; Corey Simms, Fr.; Cameron Sermons, Fr.; Seth Zamora, R-Fr.Brady Jung, R-Fr.; Collin Fasse, R-Fr.
Arriving: Terrell Anderson, So. (transfer, NC State); Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (Mater Dei); Ethan Feaster (DeSoto); Trent Mosley (Santa Margarita); Luc Weaver (Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks), Roderick Tezeno (Opelousas); Ja’Myron Baker (Sierra Canyon)
Departing: Corey Nerhus, R-Sr. (eligibility); Makai Lemon, Jr. (NFL Draft); Ja’Kobi Lane, Jr. (NFL Draft); Jaden Richardson, R-Sr. (NFL Draft); Josiah Zamora, R-Sr. (eligibility); Asante Das, R-Sr. (eligibility)
Tight end
Returning: Joey Olson, R-Fr.; Carson Tabaracci, R-Jr.; Walter Matthews, R-Fr.; Fisher Melton, Fr.; Taniela Tupou, Fr.
Arriving: Tucker Ashcraft, Jr. (transfer, Wisconsin); Mark Bowman (Mater Dei); Josiah Jefferson (Southwestern College)
Departing: Lake McRee, R-Sr. (NFL Draft); Walker Lyons, Soph. (Transfer, BYU)
Top questions
Can the run game be restored?
The running backs dealt with season-ending injuries to the one-two punch of Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders, leaving space for King Miller to step up and become arguably the most valuable walk-on in the country with 972 yards in 13 games.
Jordan was USC’s golden goose, and likely will be that again this season. He’ll also be prepping for an NFL career. The Trojans may choose to use Jordan and Miller as their two primary running backs, and mix in sophomore Riley Wormley and incoming freshman Deshonne Redeaux to prep for the future.
How will Tanook Hines embrace his leadership role?
Hines is the only starting receiver to return from the 2025 season, and he’ll be back without Lemon and Lane by his side.
He had two games of 100-plus yards, against Oregon and in the Alamo Bowl against TCU. Quarterback Jayden Maiava targeted him more than any other receiver against TCU, and Hines finished with 163 yards on six catches as a result.
Hines gained immense experience in his first year of college football. It’s up to him how he uses it to affect the team as a sophomore.
Which two tight ends will USC choose?
Head coach Lincoln Riley effectively used sets involving two tight ends this season, and he had two great ones to work with in McRee and Lyons. Carson Tabaracci and Taniela Tupou both played in the Alamo Bowl, which indicates that they could be next in line.
A position battle could ensue, however, if the coaching staff likes what it sees in Wisconsin transfer Tucker Ashcraft or incoming freshman Mark Bowman. Both are big bodies with talent who could get reps early if they can learn the system quickly.
Related Articles
USC football breakdown: How the Trojans look at quarterback Swanson: Caleb Williams’ comeback story is just beginning USC restocks tight ends room with signing of Tucker Ashcraft USC QB Husan Longstreet transfers to LSU, will play for Lane Kiffin All 5 starting offensive linemen returning for USC next seasonHence then, the article about usc football breakdown how the trojans look at running back receiver and tight end was published today ( ) and is available on Los Angeles Daily News ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( USC football breakdown: How the Trojans look at running back, receiver and tight end )
Also on site :