Reasons Why USC Trojans Wide Receiver Makai Lemon Deserves More National Attention

The USC Trojans delivered another explosive performance in their 59-20 win over Georgia Southern. For many, wide receiver Makai Lemon's production turned heads — earning him more national attention as a college football star and a top NFL Draft prospect.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC wide receiver Makai Lemon speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans offensive units reigns as one of the most explosive and efficient throughout college football after week 2, leading the nation in total offensive yards with 1,352 and total points scored with 132.

USC's scoring unit holds plenty of talent, including running backs Eli Sanders and Waymond Jordan, quarterback Jayden Maiava and wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane. However, one name has caught the eye of many college football analysts after his performance against Georgia Southern: wide receiver Makai Lemon.

Makai Lemon Tabbed as Week 2 Standout

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) carries the ball against Missouri State Bears linebacker Dylan Dixson (9) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The leading receiver in the Big Ten finished his Saturday performance with four catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Lemon proved he can go long, or receive short and take it the house.

Lane, an equally dynamic receiver for USC, shared what makes a receiver like Lemon a threat after the catch, noting his passion and competitive energy stands out.

"I think his ability to want it more than other people, just with the willingness to break tackle and really get it going," Lane said after the Georgia Southern game. "You don't find many people of his caliber that are able to run a 12 yard curl and then take it 74 yards to the house. So just his his God-given ability mixed with the fact that he wants it more than other people is the reason why he's so good."

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Lemon currently leads the conference in receiving yards with 248, ahead of Illinois's Hank Beatty, Rutgers' Ian Strong and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith.

What makes Lemon an elite talent among the rest is his strength at primary punt returner and his route-running ability, which pairs well with Lane who thrives in red zone situations.

Lemon’s Skill Set Positions Him as a First-Round NFL Draft Pick

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

Lemon's performance against the Eagles showcased a variety of skills he posses as a receiver, his yardage after the catch, ability to break tackles and forcing defenders to miss.

For college football analysts at Pro Football Focus, Lemon is tabbed as one of their week 2 standouts, as well as a strong candidate for a first round 2026 NFL Draft pick.

"He had 115 yards after the catch with four broken tackles. He is just an elite, maybe the best slot receiver that we have in college football right now," PFF analyst Max Chadwick said. "And Trevor Sikemma thinks, right now, he is the best wide receiver in the 2026 NFL draft. If he keeps playing like that, he probably will be a first round pick in 2026."

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) carries the ball against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Maiava and Lemon have found a strong connection on the field that delivers success, and through just two games, their receiver to quarterback connection is get even stronger.

Lemon's 2024 season was his breakthrough that tabbed him as an elite receiver early — finishing 13 games with 54 receptions for 752 receiving yards and three touchdowns. While his touchdown total is lower, his 700-plus yards attest to his impact on the Trojans’ offense.

If Lemon's performance continues in this direction, between him, Lane and Maiava, they could become one of the most explosive and elite air raid offenses in the conference, let alone college football.