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Updated: USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane out for Trojans against Michigan State

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney09/21/25ErikTMcKinney
Ja'Kobi Lane, USC
Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) celebrates after scoring on a 6-yard touchdown reception against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

*See below for update to previous story

The USC Trojans could be without standout wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane for their home game against the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday night as he’s been ruled “questionable” per the Big Ten availability report.

Lane, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound junior, is second on the team with nine receptions for 239 yards and a touchdown this season. He’s caught three passes in each game and was coming off a three-catch, 115-yard performance against Purdue in which he got on the end of two deep balls from quarterback Jayden Maiava.

Lane dealt with an injury all offseason as head coach Lincoln Riley revealed in the fall that Lane had suffered a broken foot in May. He was not a full participant through much of fall camp.

Lane could be one of two hits to the wide receiver corps in this one as Zacharyus Williams is still out for the Trojans. He missed the Purdue game after suffering an injury late in the game against Georgia Southern.

USC will get Prince Strachan back for this game after he missed the past two and will look to get more from veteran standout Makai Lemon and could turn to some younger players as well in true freshmen Tanook Hines and Corey Simms, plus second-year player DJ Jordan. The Trojans will miss Lane’s ability as one of the nation’s biggest threats in the red zone and someone who has shown he can stretch the field.

Riley was asked about Lane’s health during his media call on Friday but said they would let the mandatory Big Ten availability report speak for any injuries to USC players this week.

UPDATE: USC wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane is not in uniform tonight and will not play against the Spartans.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz