A massive piece of USC’s offense won’t be back next season.
Makai Lemon — the winner of the Fred Biletnikoff Award for best wide receiver in college football this year — announced Wednesday he’s forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility and declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Lemon, 21, explained his decision in a lengthy statement on his Instagram account.
“USC will forever hold a special place in my heart,” Lemon wrote. “I’m a Los Angeles native, and the opportunity to play this game in the city that raised me was something I envisioned long before it became reality.
“Competing in front of my family, friends, and community made this experience even more meaningful, and I’ll always be proud to have represented this university and this city.
“After careful thought and prayer, I’ve decided to take the next step in my journey.”
Lemon also thanked God, his family, teammates and coaches in his announcement.
He arrives on the Trojans’ campus in 2023 as a four-star prospect. Lemon played sparingly in his freshman season, but took on a far more significant role in his sophomore year when he recorded 52 catches, 764 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 12 games.
This year, the junior wideout logged 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 13 total touchdowns in 12 games.
He ultimately won the Biletnikoff Award over UConn’s Skyler Bell and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith.
Lemon is widely viewed as a potential first-round pick in April’s draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has him at No. 10 overall on his 2026 big board prospects.
