When Lincoln Riley packed his bags and left Norman for Los Angeles, the ripple effects were immediate. Recruits had a decision to make: stay loyal to Oklahoma or follow one of college football’s most respected offensive minds to USC.
Makai Lemon didn’t hesitate. The Los Alamitos native chose to stay close to home and put his trust in Riley - a decision that’s now paying off in a big way.
Lemon was one of the first to flip his commitment from Oklahoma to USC after Riley’s move, and that early faith in the program’s new direction has turned into a fast track to the NFL.
From Local Standout to National Star
By his second year with the Trojans, Lemon was already flashing serious potential. He hauled in 52 catches for 764 yards and three touchdowns, showing the kind of route-running polish and after-the-catch ability that made scouts take notice. But that was just the warm-up.
This past season, Lemon didn’t just take the next step - he leapt into the national spotlight. With 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, he became the centerpiece of USC’s offense and one of the most dangerous receivers in college football. That production earned him the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top wideout - and solidified his status as a top-tier NFL prospect.
Declaring for the Draft
On Wednesday, Lemon officially declared for the NFL Draft. It’s a move that’s been expected for weeks, but now it’s real - and it comes with serious implications for teams looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their receiving corps.
At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Lemon projects primarily as a slot receiver at the next level, though his versatility is a big part of what makes him so intriguing. He logged 456 snaps in the slot this season, along with 222 out wide - a near 2-to-1 ratio that shows he’s comfortable and effective in multiple alignments. That kind of flexibility is gold in today’s NFL, where offenses crave receivers who can create mismatches all over the field.
Riley’s System Produces Again
Lincoln Riley has built a reputation as a quarterback whisperer, but his track record with wide receivers is just as impressive. Lemon is the latest in a growing line of pass-catchers who’ve thrived under Riley’s guidance, and his development at USC is a testament to the system - and to Lemon’s own work ethic and talent.
He’s not the biggest receiver in this year’s draft class, but Lemon’s route running, body control, and feel for space make him a nightmare for defenders. He’s the kind of receiver who finds the soft spot in zone, beats man coverage with quickness, and makes life easier for his quarterback - all traits that translate well to Sundays.
What Comes Next
In our most recent mock draft, Lemon landed at No. 8 overall with the Washington Commanders, a team that just so happens to have Kliff Kingsbury - another offensive mind with a track record of maximizing receiver talent - calling the plays. That pairing could be electric, but draft night is still months away, and a lot can happen between now and then.
Lemon’s testing numbers at the NFL Combine will be closely watched, especially in comparison to other top wideouts like Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson. If he runs well and checks all the boxes in interviews and workouts, there’s a real chance he could be the first receiver off the board.
But even if he isn’t, one thing’s clear: Makai Lemon made the right bet when he followed Lincoln Riley to USC. That decision helped turn him into one of the most polished, productive receivers in college football - and now, a future first-round NFL draft pick.