USC’s Makai Lemon just capped off a sensational season with one of college football’s highest honors: he’s now a Unanimous All-American. That means he didn’t just impress one or two outlets-he swept the board, earning first-team nods from all five major selectors: Walter Camp, the Associated Press, the Football Writers Association of America, the American Football Coaches Association, and Sporting News. That’s elite company, and it puts Lemon in rarefied air as USC’s first Unanimous All-American since Caleb Williams and Tuli Tuipulotu pulled off the feat in 2022.
Lemon’s numbers tell the story of a receiver who didn’t just show up-he took over. He hauled in 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns during the regular season, leading all Power Four players in receiving yards. And he wasn’t just a threat through the air-he added two more scores on the ground, showing off the kind of versatility that makes NFL scouts sit up and take notice.
Speaking of the next level, Lemon also took home the Biletnikoff Award, given to the top pass catcher in college football. That’s not just wide receivers-it includes tight ends and anyone else catching passes. So when you win that award, you’re not just the best at your position-you’re the best, period.
Now, with a Unanimous All-American nod and a Biletnikoff Award on his résumé, Lemon has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, where he’s widely projected to be a first-round pick. And based on what he’s done this season, it’s easy to see why. He’s got the production, the polish, and the big-game pedigree that NFL teams crave.
On the other side of the ball, Bishop Fitzgerald also earned first-team All-American honors from Walter Camp. While he didn’t sweep all five selectors like Lemon, this is still a major recognition for a safety who’s been a steady force on the back end of USC’s defense.
For a USC program that’s long been known for its star power, these honors are a reminder that the Trojans continue to produce top-tier talent on both sides of the ball. Lemon’s rise to Unanimous All-American status is more than just a personal milestone-it’s a statement that USC wide receivers are still among the most dangerous in the country. And with the NFL now firmly in his sights, the next chapter in Makai Lemon’s football journey is just beginning.