USC wide receiver Makai Lemon became the second player in program history to win the Biletnikoff Award on Friday night, taking home the honor given annually to the nation’s top receiver.
Lemon was announced as the winner during the College Football Awards show, edging out finalists Skyler Bell of UConn and Ohio State standout Jeremiah Smith. The trio emerged as the most productive and dynamic pass-catchers in college football during the 2025 season.
A central figure in USC’s offense, Lemon developed into quarterback Jayden Maiava’s most trusted target. The junior finished the season with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, ranking in the top 10 nationally in both catches and scoring receptions. His yardage total ranked fourth overall and led all Power Four players.
Lemon also excelled after the catch, piling up 718 yards following receptions, while dropping just two passes on 108 targets. In Big Ten play, he led the league with 64 receptions and nine touchdowns across nine conference games.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound receiver continued his steady rise after a strong sophomore campaign in 2024, when he caught 52 passes for 764 yards and three scores.
Lemon joins Marqise Lee, who won the award in 2012, as the only USC players to earn the honor. He follows last season’s winner, Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter.
“The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver,” the award’s committee said in a release.
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