USC Safety Kamari Ramsey Receives Surprising Senior Bowl Ranking Before NFL Draft

Ramsey is rated as one of the top 2026 NFL Draft defensive prospects at the Senior Bowl according to PFSN’s Mock Draft simulator. Ramsey is ranked as the No. 4 prospect behind Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (No. 3), Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood (No. 2), and defensive tackle Caleb Banks (No. 1). 

Kamari Ramsey's Impact On USC's Defense

During the 2025 season, USC posted a 9-4 overall record and went 7-2 in the Big Ten. The Trojans experienced their fair share of highs and lows under former defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

Ramsey appeared in nine games for the Trojans before suffering a right knee injury in USC’s 26-21 home win over the Iowa Hawkeyes on Nov. 15, 2025. The injury kept Ramsey sidelined for the Trojans' pivotal Big Ten matchup against their arch-rival, the Oregon Ducks, a game in which USC lost 42-27 at Autzen Stadium. 

Ramsey’s talent on defense could’ve made a difference in that game for the Trojans, as the loss to the Ducks kept them out of the College Football Playoff. Ramsey didn’t appear in the Trojans regular-season finale win against the UCLA Bruins or in their 30-27 Alamo Bowl overtime loss to the TCU Horned Frogs, as he finished the season with 27 total tackles. 

Ramsey has the potential to be a key contributor in the NFL and would fit in well with a team that needs players for their defensive secondary. His departure from USC is a big loss for the Trojans defense, as the new defensive coordinator and former TCU coach, Gary Patterson, arrives to help strengthen the team’s defense.  

What Next For USC's Defense Without Ramsey?

With Ramsey now absent in USC’s secondary, several players look to step up for the Trojans as they look to reach the CFP in coach Lincoln Riley’s fifth season. Notable returners to watch in USC’s secondary include cornerbacks Prophet Brown and Marcelles Williams, along with safety Christian Pierce, who looks to step up in Ramsey’s place. 

Riley and the Trojans also brought in several transfer players to add to Patterson’s defense. Key additions include a pair of cornerbacks, Iowa State transfer Jontez Williams and Carrington Pierce from Oklahoma State. Williams, in his three seasons with the Cyclones, recorded 67 total tackles and five interceptions. 

With the Trojans expected to face a gauntlet of a Big Ten schedule in 2026, defense will play a major role in USC’s top matchups that will decide if they earn a spot in the CFP, a goal that fans are desperate for.