A sure-handed USC tight end who fought back from two ACL tears and dropped just two passes across his entire college career.
Lake McRee spent five seasons in USC's passing game, overcoming a pair of ACL injuries to finish as one of the most reliable pass catchers on the roster. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft but signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a priority free agent, betting his sure hands can translate even after a modest combine showing.
Path to the league
A four-star recruit from Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, McRee chose USC over offers from Auburn, LSU, Penn State, Purdue and Washington. He tore his ACL once in high school and again in 2023 before USC's Holiday Bowl, missing extended time before returning to close out his college career in 2025 and sign with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent.
Career highlights
McRee finished his USC career with 97 receptions for 1,154 yards and 7 touchdowns across 51 games, a body of work built on dependability, he dropped only two passes in his entire collegiate tenure. He earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition as a senior after USC's move to the conference.
2025 season recap
In his final season at USC, McRee caught 30 passes for 450 yards and 4 touchdowns in 12 games, his best statistical output of his career, while also improving as a blocker. That production carried him to an undrafted free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in April 2026.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Lake McRee
- Steelers Depot: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report - USC TE Lake McRee
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Tight End
- Group
- offense
- College
- USC
- Hometown
- Austin, TX, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
