USC's Lincoln Riley Addresses 'Warrior' Performance from Trojans Star Ja'Kobi Lane

Despite missing practice all this week due to injury, USC Trojans wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane made four second-half catches and key plays in the Trojans’ narrow 34–32 loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini. USC coach Lincoln Riley praised Lane for his efforts after the game.

Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) participates in pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Playing through a shoulder injury that kept him out of practice the entire week, sophomore wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane sparked USC’s late comeback bid with four second-half catches in a narrow 34–32 defeat at Illinois.

His toughness stood out on a night where the Trojans struggled to find rhythm until the closing stages.

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) warms up on the field before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Afterward, USC coach Lincoln Riley praised his grit: “He really wasn’t supposed to play at all, but kid’s a warrior.”

Turning Point in a Tight Game

For three quarters, USC couldn’t get in rhythm.

An opening-drive fumble killed early momentum, a red-zone trip before halftime ended in a field goal, and quarterback Jayden Maiava’s first interception of the season halted another promising march.

Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) participates in pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Illinois took advantage, building a 24–10 lead late in the third quarter.

USC entered the matchup averaging more than 50 points per game through the first four weeks but was held to just 10 points until late in the third quarter.

Illinois’ defense dictated the tempo until the Trojans finally found a rhythm — and Lane’s presence was a big reason for that shift.

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) celebrates with tight end Walker Lyons (85) 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 | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

That deficit forced the Trojans to find answers. And that’s when Lane, who had been sidelined with an injury and missed two weeks of practice, finally made his presence felt.

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Second-Half Impact

All four of Lane’s receptions came after halftime, totaling 46 yards. Two of them set up crucial first downs on consecutive scoring drives.

The first kept alive a possession that cut Illinois’ lead to one score. The second extended another march that ended with USC taking a 32–31 lead in the fourth quarter.

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 | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“Didn’t take a rep in practice in two weeks… just laid it on the line for the whole team and the program,” Riley said.

Lane’s stat line may not have matched teammate Makai Lemon — who erupted for 11 catches, 151 yards, and two touchdowns — but his timing was everything.

Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) celebrates after scoring a first half touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

When USC needed someone to shift momentum, Lane answered.

“We appreciate guys like that,” Riley said.

Bigger Picture for USC

Illinois ultimately had the last word, driving into range and sealing the victory with a kick.

Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley on the sidelines during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

The loss dropped USC to 4–1 heading into the bye week, with health and defensive consistency at the top of the to-do list. But if there was a silver lining, it was Lane.

His second-half performance proved he can be more than just Makai Lemon’s running mate.

His connection with Maiava also hinted at what USC’s offense can become when both Lane and Lemon are fully healthy.

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

For a passing game already among the Big Ten’s most explosive, the return of Lane adds another trusted option defenses must account for.

For a banged-up roster trying to survive the grind of conference play, Lane’s toughness was exactly what Riley wanted to see. His coach said it best: Lane played like a warrior.