USC’s Makai Lemon Named Paul Hornung National Player of the Week

LOS ANGELES, CA – USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has been named the Paul Hornung National Player of the Week following his outstanding performance in the Trojans’ 45-31 win over Michigan State in a battle of undefeated Big Ten teams.

The Paul Hornung Award is presented annually to the most versatile player in college football, and Lemon lived up to that distinction with a dynamic all-around performance. He touched the ball 16 times in four different ways for 225 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns, one receiving and one rushing. His 225 all-purpose yards marked the most by any Trojan this season and the third-highest total of his career.

Lemon found the end zone on a 40-yard reception in the second quarter and later on a four-yard run in the fourth quarter, recording his second multi-touchdown game of the season. He finished with 8 receptions for 127 yards, 2 carries for 11 yards, and 5 first downs from scrimmage—all on scoring drives. He also contributed in the return game with 3 kickoff returns for 64 yards, 1 punt return for 23 yards, and 2 fair catches.

Per Pro Football Focus, Lemon currently owns the highest receiving grade in the Big Ten (88.4) and the fourth highest among all Power Four receivers. He also leads the Big Ten in yards after catch (254) and ranks second nationally among Power Four receivers.

Lemon’s versatility has become a defining factor for USC’s offense, providing explosive production as both a receiver and returner while cementing himself as one of the most impactful all-purpose players in college football this season.