Makai Lemon Wins Biletnikoff Award, and This Time, the Right Guy Took It Home
When it comes to college football’s top wide receivers, the debate is usually as much about reputation as it is about production. But this year, the Biletnikoff Award got it right.
USC’s Makai Lemon didn’t just flash on highlight reels - he defined USC’s season. And on Friday night, he was officially recognized as the nation's top wideout, beating out Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and UConn’s Skyler Bell.
This wasn’t a popularity contest. It was a performance award. And Lemon earned it.
More Than Just Numbers - Lemon Was USC’s Pulse
Jeremiah Smith is a phenomenal talent. No doubt, he’s a future NFL star.
But in 2025, he wasn’t the engine driving Ohio State. That team won with trench dominance and suffocating defense.
Smith played his role, but he wasn’t the guy they had to have every Saturday.
Makai Lemon? He was that guy for USC.
The Trojans leaned on their offense all year, and when they needed a spark, a lifeline, or a miracle, Lemon was the one delivering. Whether it was a toe-tap on the sideline or a deep shot in crunch time, he consistently came through when it mattered most.
Big-Time Plays in Big-Time Games
If you’re looking for defining moments, Lemon had them - and then some.
He made circus catches against both Michigan and Iowa, the kind of grabs that swing momentum and decide games. And these weren’t stat-padding plays in blowouts. They came when the Trojans needed them most, in tight, high-stakes matchups.
Yes, Smith had his moments - including a touchdown against Michigan - but Lemon’s resume of clutch performances was simply longer, louder, and more impactful. He didn’t just show up. He took over.
Versatility That Turned Heads
Lemon didn’t just catch passes. He threw a touchdown.
He ripped off a huge kick return against UCLA. He showed the kind of all-around athleticism that makes coaches drool and opponents sweat.
That versatility didn’t go unnoticed by voters, and it gave him an edge that pure receiving stats alone couldn’t capture.
This was a season where Lemon proved he wasn’t just a great receiver - he was a game-changer in every phase.
A Little Help From the Hoosiers
Let’s be honest - Indiana holding Ohio State to just 10 points in the Big Ten Championship Game didn’t hurt Lemon’s case. That performance took some shine off Smith’s season finale, while Lemon’s highlight reel remained intact. It was a timely reminder of who had the bigger impact when it counted most.
The Ripple Effect for USC
With the transfer portal about to heat up, Lemon’s Biletnikoff win could have some unintended benefits for USC. Wideouts looking for a new home - especially those who want to be featured in a high-powered offense - are watching.
Lemon’s success is proof that USC can still be the place for elite receivers to shine. Think Jordan Addison in 2022 - the Trojans could be lining up for another big-time addition.
The Right Call, Finally
Even if you don’t wear cardinal and gold, it’s hard to argue with this outcome. Lemon torched Iowa - one of the best secondaries in the country - in what might’ve been the most dominant single-game performance by any receiver this season. That game alone was a masterclass in route running, body control, and playmaking under pressure.
This wasn’t a legacy award. It wasn’t a name-brand nod. It was about who earned it.
A Rare Win for USC in the Court of Opinion
Let’s not forget - USC fans have seen their teams on the wrong end of a lot of decisions in recent years. The 2018 men’s basketball team left out of the NCAA Tournament.
The 2024 baseball team getting snubbed. The women’s basketball team stuck in UConn’s region again in 2025.
But this time? The vote went USC’s way. And it wasn’t a gift - it was justice.
Makai Lemon’s Biletnikoff Award isn’t just a personal win. It’s a statement.
That performance still matters. That impact still counts.
And that when a player puts together a season like Lemon just did, the game will recognize it.
This one felt right - because it was right.