USC's Lemon Biletnikoff semifinalist

Jeff Hauser

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USC's Makai Lemon headlines list of Biletnikoff Award semifinalists image

TL;DR

  • USC wideout Makai Lemon is a semifinalist for the 2025 Biletnikoff Award.
  • Lemon leads with 71 receptions, 1,090 yards, and 10 touchdowns this season.
  • He ranks nationally in receiving yards, touchdowns, and total catches.
  • Pro Football Focus grades Lemon as the top receiver with strong yards after catch.

USC star wideout Makai Lemon headlined the group of 13 semifinalists announced Monday for the 2025 Biletnikoff Award, presented annually by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation to the nation’s most outstanding FBS receiver regardless of position.

This season, Lemon has emerged as one of college football's most electrifying players, amassing 71 receptions, 1,090 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. The sophomore's impressive performance continued this past weekend, as he secured 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown in USC's victory against Iowa, marking his fifth 100-yard game this year. Heading into Week 13, he holds the third spot nationally for receiving yards and touchdown receptions, and ranks sixth in total catches.

Lemon is Pro Football Focus’ top-graded receiver in the country, boasting a 92.1 receiving grade and 91.2 overall offensive grade. His 467 yards after the catch rank sixth nationally, and his 19 forced missed tackles place him fifth. Lemon is also a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the College Player of the Year.

This year’s semifinalists, listed alphabetically, include Chris Bell (Louisville), Skyler Bell (UConn), Germie Bernard (Alabama), Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee), Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), Mario Craver (Texas A&M), Lemon (USC), Eric McAlister (TCU), Duce Robinson (Florida State), Elijah Sarratt (Indiana), Danny Scudero (San Jose State), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Carnell Tate (Ohio State).

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Contributing Writer