Will USC safety Kamari Ramsey be a first-round NFL draft pick?
In a new Sports Illustrated article featuring the USC Trojans, writer Kendell Hollowell lists Kamari Ramsey as the Trojan on the defensive side of the ball who has the best chance to hear his named called on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL draft.
"Safety Kamari Ramsey started 11 games as redshirt freshman at UCLA in 2023. He followed defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn to USC when he was hired in December 2023. Ramsey was instrumental in helping Lynn install his defense in the spring. After the Trojans ranked at the bottom of almost every statistical category on defense in 2023, Ramsey helped USC make tremendous strides in 2024. They were better in all facets of the defense — physicality, schematics and tackling, and Ramsey certainly played a large role in that. Ramsey tallied 60 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, two sacks, five PBUs and an interception in 11 games last season. He chose to forgo the 2025 NFL Draft and return to school for another season. The redshirt junior will take on the role of wearing the green dot this upcoming season, which signifies what player that is allowed to communicate with their sidelines via radio.
"Ramsey is an impact player at three levels of the defense. Lynn was not hesitant using Ramsey in blitz packages and showed his range playing a deep half safety. He's physical and is excellent showing up in run support. Ramsey possess a high football IQ and is a tremendous leader on the backend of the Trojans defense. The Athletic has projected the USC safety as a first-round pick."
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