Makai Lemon Could Rewrite USC History In NFL Draft

USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon has had an incredible 2025 season for coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans. Lemon was named a Biletnikoff Award finalist, which is given to the best receiver in college football. He's been flying up NFL mock draft boards.

Sep 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs down field for a touchdown on a pass play during the first half against the Georgia Southern Eagles at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon has had arguably the best season for a wide receiver in college football for the 2025 season. Lemon ranks top 10 in the country for receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and receptions. He is one of the finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, awarded to the best receiver in college football.

This was Lemon’s third collegiate season, so he will be eligible to enter to the 2026 NFL Draft if he chooses to do so. How high would Lemon be selected?

Will Lemon Be Earliest USC Receiver Drafted Since Keyshawn Johnson?

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

PFF released a mock for 2026 NFL Draft following conference championship weekend. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has not announced if he will be turning pro or returning to the Trojans for his fourth season. This mock draft has Lemon as the No. 7 overall selection, going to the New York Jets. 

This would make Lemon the highest drafted USC wide receiver since Keyshawn Johnson was selected No. 1 overall out of USC in the 1996 NFL Draft. Johnson was coming off an elite 1995 season with 90 receptions for 1,218 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He had an 11-year NFL career with three Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship. 

Nov 18, 1995; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Southern California receiver Keyshawn Johnson (3) in action against UCLA at the Los Angeles Coliseum. UCLA defeated USC 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images | RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Since Johnson was selected No. 1 overall, there have been five USC receivers taken in the first round of the NFL Draft: R. Jay Soward, Mike Williams, Nelson Agholor, Drake London, and Jordan Addison.

London was the highest drafted player of this group, being selected No. 8 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. USC has had the second most players drafted all-time, with 530. They only trail the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who has had 532 players selected.

This season for USC, Lemon has 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has another two touchdowns on the ground. The connection between USC quarterback Jayden Maiava and Lemon has been the primary reason for the Trojans’ explosive offense this season that has averaged 36.5 points per game. 

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Will Lemon Play in Alamo Bowl vs. TCU?

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) talks with quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lemon’s status along with other potential pro-bound Trojans when they take on the TCU Horned Frogs in the Valero Alamo Bowl is currently up in the air as they could opt out to get ready for the NFL Draft. USC coach Lincoln Riley was asked about this by reporters in his media availably along with TCU coach Sonny Dykes. 

“We got some guys obviously rear are looking to make decisions on this bowl and if they’re turning pro or how that’s going to play out,” Riley said. “I think that will clarify here in the next few weeks. I don’t have any announcement as far as now.”