Ja'Kobi Lane Ruled Out Before Michigan State Game

USC beat Michigan State 45-31, but star wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane did not play after being ruled out hours before kickoff due to an "inconclusive" injury that surfaced midweek and traces to the Purdue game. Coach Lincoln Riley said the issue popped up during the week, described it as "inconclusive," and could not guarantee Lane's availability next week or in the coming weeks. Lane has nine catches for 239 yards and a touchdown this season and had 43 catches for 525 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024. Jaden Richardson made his first start in Lane's place while Makai Lemon had 127 receiving yards and the offense — led by Jayden Maiava and the running backs — remained productive. USC is 4-0, 2-0 in Big Ten play, sits near the top 25 and faces a defining stretch at Illinois, vs. Michigan and at Notre Dame that could be affected if Lane misses extended time.