Makai Lemon Named 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year After Breakout Season
LOS ANGELES - USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has capped off a sensational season with one of the sport’s most meaningful honors, being named the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. The award, given annually to the most outstanding Polynesian player in college football who exemplifies both elite performance and integrity, adds another layer to what’s already been a breakout campaign for the Trojans’ star.
For USC, this is familiar territory. Lemon joins an impressive lineage of Trojans to receive the honor, following in the footsteps of former defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu (2022) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (2020). This year, Lemon shares recognition with Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano, who also received the award for his standout contributions during the 2025 season.
But make no mistake - Lemon’s résumé this year stands on its own.
Already a First Team All-American and the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, Lemon has been nothing short of electric. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out as the top wide receiver in the nation, earning a 90.4 overall grade and a 91.3 receiving grade - both the highest marks in college football this year. That’s not just elite - that’s dominance.
Statistically, Lemon was a nightmare for opposing defenses all season long. He led the Power Four in total receiving yards (1,156) and receiving yards per game (96.3).
In the Big Ten, he topped the charts in receptions per game (6.6), yards after catch (502), and was tied for the most receiving touchdowns (11). He also ranked third in the Power Four with 19 receptions of 20 or more yards and led the nation with 50 first-down catches - a stat that speaks volumes about his reliability as a go-to target.
And Lemon didn’t just show up in the box score - he made history. In a game against Oregon, he became the first Big Ten player since Minnesota’s Eric Decker in 2009 to catch two touchdowns and throw one in the same game. That kind of versatility is rare, and it’s part of what makes Lemon such a special talent.
In total, Lemon accounted for 14 touchdowns in 2025 - 11 through the air, two on the ground, and one via a trick-play pass. He logged five 100-yard receiving games this season and has now done it seven times in his career. He also hit double-digit receptions in three different games this year, consistently proving to be a volume receiver who can also make explosive plays.
Through his USC career so far, Lemon has totaled 137 receptions for 2,008 yards - averaging 14.7 yards per catch - and 14 receiving touchdowns. That puts him 22nd on USC’s all-time receptions list, with more likely to come if he returns next season.
The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year is selected by a committee of respected football minds, including former NFL players, coaches, broadcasters, and Hall of Fame inductees. Among them are Jack “The Throwin’ Samoan” Thompson (Chairman), Dick Vermeil, Kevin Mawae, Olin Kreutz, and Manti Te’o - all names that carry serious weight in the football world.
Lemon will be formally honored during the 2026 Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on January 17, and he’ll also be recognized the day before at the 2026 Polynesian Bowl.
For now, though, Lemon can take a well-deserved bow. He’s not just one of the best receivers in college football - he’s one of the most complete, exciting, and impactful players in the game. And with this award, he’s added his name to a proud legacy of Polynesian excellence on the gridiron.