Makai Lemon

Lemon had a breakout season in 2024, and late-season surges against Notre Dame (9-133) and Texas A&M (6-99) cemented him as USC's top wideout, leading the team in yardage (764) and receptions (52). Lemon's ascension was somewhat of a surprise considering the logjam of talent available in the wide receiver room last season, but key departures from Zachariah Branch and Duce Robinson will guarantee Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane as Jayden Maiava's top targets. Lemon has drawn comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown, a former Trojan receiver who's had tremendous success in the NFL. At 5-11, Lemon has strong YAC numbers and uses speed and precise route running to give passers an open gap. Thanks to Lincoln Riley's dynamic playbook, Lemon could rise near the top of the Big Ten receiver rankings and boost Maiva's stock in the process. Read Past Outlooks