USC’s Makai Lemon Named Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist

LOS ANGELES — USC superstar wide receiver Makai Lemon has officially earned his place among the nation’s elite. On Monday, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced Lemon as one of 13 semifinalists for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, presented annually to the top pass-catcher in college football—regardless of position.

For the junior sensation who’s spent the 2025 season terrorizing secondaries from coast to coast, the recognition feels less like a surprise and more like validation.

A True National Standout

Lemon’s season has been nothing short of dominant. He enters Week 12 as the second-most productive receiver in the nation and the top receiver in the Power Four, averaging 109.0 receiving yards per game. He leads the Big Ten in receptions per game (7.1) and sits at 1,090 receiving yards on the year—a mark that ranks third nationally.

Among all Power Four receivers, Lemon is tied for the most receptions of 20+ yards, further cementing his status as the conference’s premier explosive-play threat.

And the national media has noticed.

Lemon has already been named to the AP Midseason All-American First Team, along with first-team honors from Sporting News, CBS, The Athletic, and Sports Illustrated. He’s also a Maxwell Award semifinalist, putting him in rare all-purpose company among the nation’s top players.

Elite Production, Every Single Week

Whether it’s his top-end route precision or his after-the-catch burst, Lemon has consistently imposed his will on defenses.

• 71 receptions
• 1,090 yards (15.4 yards per catch)
• 8 receiving touchdowns
• Five 100-yard games
• Four games with 150+ yards

Lemon also leads the Power Four in first downs by a receiver (46) and the Big Ten in yards after catch (467) — a testament to his ability to turn routine completions into momentum-swinging plays.

A Versatile Weapon

Lemon hasn’t just starred as a receiver — he’s been one of USC’s most complete offensive players.

He’s added:

• 2 rushing touchdowns
• 144 yards on kickoff returns (20.8 avg.)
• 32 yards on punt returns (8.0 avg.)

His 126.9 all-purpose yards per game rank No. 7 nationally, No. 4 in the Power Four, and No. 2 in the Big Ten.

Whether split wide, in the slot, or taking handoffs, Lemon has been a weekly matchup nightmare.

What Comes Next

The Biletnikoff Award Selection Committee — a panel of more than 600 journalists, broadcasters, and former receivers — will determine the final three candidates. Fan voting is open as well, with the national tally accounting for one official vote in the process.

• Finalists announced: November 25
• Winner announced: December 12, 2025
• Formal presentation: March 28, 2026 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida

With USC surging late in the season and Lemon continuing to deliver All-American production each week, the sophomore wideout is firmly positioned as one of the frontrunners for the award.

If his November momentum continues, the Trojans may soon be celebrating their first Biletnikoff winner since Marqise Lee in 2012.