Makai Lemon named Semifinalist for Biletnikoff Award

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Makai Lemon named Semifinalist for Biletnikoff Award
Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) scores his second touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Georgia Southern Eagles, Saturday September 6th, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) scores his second touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Georgia Southern Eagles, Saturday September 6th, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES—USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has been selected as a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation. 

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the outstanding FBS receiver of the college football season. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot or inside receiver, wing back, or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. He is one of 13 semifinalists for the award.

This season, Lemon has earned placement on the AP All-American Midseason First Team, Sporting News Midseason All-American First Team, CBS Midseason All-American First Team, The Athletic Midseason All-American First Team, and Sports Illustrated Midseason All-American First Team. He is also a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award.  

Lemon's elite route-running and yards-after-catch ability translate to inevitable impact every week as the nation's most electric receiver. He's the second-most productive pass catcher in the country (and first in the Power Four), averaging 109.0 receiving yards per game.

He leads the Big Ten in receptions per game, 7.10, and has 8 receiving TDs on the season. He also leads the Trojans with 71 receptions for 1,090 yards (15.4 avg.), which is third best in the nation and first in the Power Four. Among all Power Four receivers, Lemon is tied for the most catches of 20+ yards or more. 

He has recorded five 100-yard receiving games this season and four with at least 150 yards. Lemon leads the Power Four in first downs by a wide receiver (46), and he leads the Big Ten in yards after catch (467). 

Additionally, Lemon is one of USC's most versatile players and has scored 2 rushing TDs, as well as tallied 7 kickoff returns for 144 yards (20.8 avg.) and 4 punt returns for 32 yards (8.0 avg.). He ranks No. 7 in the nation, No. 4 in the Power Four, and No. 2 in the Big Ten in all-purpose yards (126.90). 

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