The USC Trojans had one of the best wide receivers in the country this past season in Makai Lemon, but here's why his departure won't hurt the team as much as you think.

The University of Southern California had three standout players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including star receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, while UCLA had zero players picked for the first time since 2012.

USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon is a quick mover with the speed to stack cornerbacks downfield and create chunk gains after the catch. He is a savvy route runner who manipulates the defender’s leverage to create open space for future separation.

Makai Lemon isn’t the biggest or the fastest but he was the best receiver in college football and his competitiveness shines through.

A closer look at the USC wide receiver, Makai Lemon’s Hawaiian Polynesian ethnicity and family roots. Makai Lemon stands out as a polished slot receiver who pairs advanced route tempo with exceptional ball tracking. His confident approach and reliable ...