Makai Lemon, the talented wide receiver for the USC Trojans, has showcased an exceptional performance during the 2025 college football season under head coach Lincoln Riley. His impressive stats have earned him recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, which honors the nation”s best receiver.
Lemon”s achievements place him among the top 10 in the nation for receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions. This marks his third season in college football, making him eligible to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft if he opts to pursue a professional career. However, he has yet to announce whether he will turn pro or return for another season at USC.
In a recent mock draft released by PFF following the conference championship weekend, Lemon is projected as the seventh overall pick, potentially joining the New York Jets. If this projection holds true, Lemon would become the highest-drafted wide receiver from USC since Keyshawn Johnson was picked first overall in the 1996 NFL Draft. Johnson had a standout 1995 season with 90 receptions for 1,218 yards and six touchdowns, leading to a successful 11-year NFL career highlighted by three Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl title.
Since Johnson”s selection, five other wide receivers from USC have been chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft: R. Jay Soward, Mike Williams, Nelson Agholor, Drake London, and Jordan Addison. Among these, London holds the record for the highest selection, going eighth overall to the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. USC ranks second all-time in player selections for the draft, with 530 total picks, just behind Notre Dame, which has had 532 players drafted.
This season, Lemon has recorded 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, along with two rushing touchdowns. His dynamic partnership with USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has been crucial to the Trojans” high-scoring offense, which averages 36.5 points per game.
As Lemon and other Trojans prepare for their bowl matchup against the TCU Horned Frogs in the upcoming Valero Alamo Bowl, their futures remain uncertain. The potential for players to opt out and focus on the NFL Draft is a topic of discussion. Coach Lincoln Riley addressed this in a recent media session, stating, “We have some guys obviously who are looking to make decisions on this bowl and if they”re turning pro or how that”s going to play out. I think that will clarify here in the next few weeks. I don”t have any announcements as of now.”
