Wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane and the No. 21-ranked USC Trojans are set for a difficult matchup on Saturday against the No. 23-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini. However, the team might not have a healthy lineup as Lane is listed as questionable for the game. Lane last played two weeks ago, missing last week’s game against Michigan State with an undisclosed injury.
On3 insider Pete Nakos provided more information on Lane’s status on Saturday morning on X, stating that Lane was seen at practice this week after missing last week’s game.
“USC starting wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane is questionable today at Illinois. Was seen at practice this week after missing Michigan State,” Pete Nakos wrote.
USC starting wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane is questionable today at Illinois.
Was seen at practice this week after missing Michigan State. https://t.co/JmscpnwCsm pic.twitter.com/dgLPcF9pdI
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) September 27, 2025
When healthy, Ja’Kobi Lane is USC’s WR2 behind Makai Lemon. In three games, he has nine receptions for 239 yards and one TD. Without him, the Trojans could struggle against a strong Illinois squad.
Who Might Replace Ja’Kobi Lane’s Production For USC Against Illinois?
Ja’Kobi Lane’s status is up in the air for USC’s game against Illinois on Saturday. If he is unable to play, the Trojans will likely rely heavily on Makai Lemon. Last week, when Lane did not play against Michigan State, Lemon had eight receptions. No other player had more than two receptions. So, outside of Lemon, the Trojans will likely rely on the team to pick up the slack by committee.
Unfortunately for the Trojans, in a game that is expected to be quite close, Lane’s absence could be the difference. USC has won all four games so far this season, but has not faced a ranked opponent. It is going up against Illinois, which won its first three games before getting blown out 63-10 by No. 11-ranked Indiana last week.
This game will be telling for both teams. USC will be looking to prove that it can defeat a ranked opponent while missing one of its top receiving threats. As for Illinois, it will be looking to prove it can compete with ranked opponents after such a poor showing against Indiana in Week 4. The game is scheduled to begin on Saturday at noon ET.
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