USC’s Makai Lemon Makes Strong Case for Biletnikoff Award After Breakout Season
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has been electric all season long, and now he’s officially in the national spotlight. The sophomore star has been named one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award - college football’s highest honor for wide receivers - joining Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and UConn’s Skyler Bell in the race for the coveted trophy.
With the Trojans awaiting their bowl game destination, Lemon’s body of work this season speaks volumes. He’s been the heartbeat of USC’s offense, leading the Big Ten and ranking fourth nationally with 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. And those numbers only tell part of the story.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley, who knows a thing or two about elite offensive talent, made a passionate case for his receiver during Monday’s episode of Trojans Live.
“He’s had a great year,” Riley said. “We’ve been fortunate to be around a few Biletnikoff winners, and they’re tough to win.
But Makai’s made a great case. He’s been one of the most productive receivers in the country, plain and simple - and he’s done it against some really strong defenses.”
That last point is key. Lemon hasn’t padded his stats against soft secondaries.
He’s produced consistently in high-stakes matchups, often drawing the opponent’s top corner and still finding ways to make plays. Whether it’s stretching the field, working the middle, or making defenders miss after the catch, Lemon’s versatility has been a matchup nightmare all season.
And it’s not just what he’s done as a receiver. Riley pointed out Lemon’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways - an increasingly rare trait at the college level.
“He’s also been a factor for us on special teams. He’s run for touchdowns, thrown for touchdowns.
I mean, I don’t know what else you can do,” Riley said. “He’s been fantastic.
I know there are other great candidates for the award, but he’s certainly deserving.”
Lemon’s season draws some natural comparisons to former USC standout Marqise Lee, who brought home the Biletnikoff in 2012 after a monster campaign that included 118 catches, 1,721 yards, and 14 touchdowns. While Lemon’s stat line isn’t quite as gaudy, it’s in the same ballpark - and when you factor in his all-around contributions, the case gets even stronger.
If Lemon were to win, he’d become the seventh Trojan to take home the Biletnikoff, joining a storied list that includes Lee, Mike Williams, and Keyshawn Johnson. That kind of company speaks to the tradition he’s carrying forward - and the impact he’s had in a season where USC’s offense leaned heavily on his playmaking.
But Lemon’s path to the trophy won’t be uncontested.
Jeremiah Smith, the Ohio State standout, has been a force for the Buckeyes in his sophomore campaign. With 72 catches for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns, Smith has been a go-to target in one of the most efficient offenses in the country. And with the Big Ten Championship on deck - a top-two showdown between Ohio State and Indiana - Smith has one more high-profile opportunity to add to his resume.
Then there’s Skyler Bell from UConn, who’s been nothing short of dominant. Bell ranks second in the nation in receiving with 101 receptions for 1,276 yards and 13 touchdowns. His consistent production helped power the Huskies to back-to-back nine-win seasons - a major accomplishment for that program.
All three finalists bring something different to the table. Lemon’s all-around impact, Smith’s big-game consistency, and Bell’s sheer volume and reliability have all made them worthy contenders. Now it’s up to the voters to decide which of these standout seasons rises above the rest.
The winner of the Biletnikoff Award will be announced on December 12 during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.