Lincoln Riley Makes Strong Argument For Makai Lemon to Win Biletnikoff Award

On the latest episode of 'Trojans Live,' USC coach Lincoln Riley made a strong case for why wide receiver Makai Lemon should win the Biletnikoff Award. What did Riley say about Lemon, and where does the wide receiver stack up compared to the other finalists?

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

USC star wide receiver Makai Lemon has proven to be one of the most dynamic players in college football this season for the Trojans. Ahead of the Trojans' bowl game that has yet to be announced, Lemon is one of the three finalists alongside Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and UConn's Skyler Bell for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the college football season's outstanding receiver at any position.

Lincoln Riley Makes His Case For Makai Lemon

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates after catching a 32-yard touchdown pass against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

During Monday's episode of "Trojans Live," USC coach Lincoln Riley gave his thoughts on Lemon being named a finalist and gave his case for why he should win the Biletnikoff Award.

"He's had a great year; we're fortunate, we've been a part of a handful of Biletnikoffs, and they're definitely tough to win. He's made a great case. I think he's been one of the most productive receivers in the country this year, it's just pretty plain and simple, and he's done it against great defensive teams," said Riley.

Lemon is looking to become the second USC wide receiver to win the Biletnikoff Award and the first since Marqise Lee won it for the Trojans in 2012. In that season for USC, Lee collected 118 receptions for 1,721 yards and 14 touchdowns.

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Lemon has put up similar numbers this season for the Trojans that Lee did in 2012. This season for USC, Lemon is first in the Big Ten and fourth in the country in receiving with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. Outside of his role on offense as a wide receiver, Lemon has also stepped up for the Trojans in several other ways this season in big games, a key reason why Riley believes he's deserving of the award.

"He's also been a factor for us on special teams, he's run for touchdowns, he's thrown touchdowns. I mean, I don't know what else you can do," said Riley. "He's been fantastic. I know there's other great candidates for that award, but I think he's certainly deserving, and I think he would be the first one to point out that having an O-line and a quarterback, and other guys around him have been so key to that success."

Lemon's Compared To Other Biletnikoff Finalists

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Lemon's biggest competition for the Biletnikoff Award is another top wide receiver from the Big Ten, Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes' star wide receiver is arguably one of the most talented players in college football.

In his sophomore season for Ohio State, Smith has collected 72 catches for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns. Smith has one more game to prove that he should win the award as the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes take on the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship on Saturday in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Skyler Bell, another Biletnikoff Award finalist from UConn, is second in the country in receiving this season with 101 receptions for 1,276 yards and 13 touchdowns. Bell's performance this season for the Huskies helped lead UConn to its second straight nine-win season.

Lemon, Smith, and Bell all have strong cases to win the Biletnikoff Award this season; now it's up to the voters to decide. The Biletnikoff Award winner will be announced on Dec. 12 during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.