USC's Makai Lemon Visits With AFC Team Seeking Return To Super Bowl

The wide receiver had a top 30 visit with the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:07pm

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USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, recently had a top 30 pre-draft visit with the Kansas City Chiefs as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 season and return to the Super Bowl. Lemon is projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and could be a target for the Chiefs, who have two first-round selections.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are coming off their worst season in over a decade, missing the playoffs completely after nine straight AFC West division titles and three straight Super Bowl appearances. Adding a top receiving threat like Lemon could help Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense get back on track as the star quarterback recovers from a torn ACL.

The details

In addition to the Chiefs, Lemon has 30 visits scheduled with the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders. At the 2026 NFL Combine, Lemon measured in at 5-11, 192 pounds and had the best production score of 91 among all participating wide receivers. He is ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2026 draft class.

  • Makai Lemon recently had a top 30 visit with the Kansas City Chiefs.
  • Lemon is scheduled to visit the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders.

The players

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver who played for the USC Trojans, Lemon won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award as the most outstanding wide receiver in college football. He is projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes suffered a torn ACL late in the 2025 season, putting his status for the start of the 2026 season in jeopardy.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who had never had a losing record to end a season before the team's 6-11 campaign in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“#USC WR Makai Lemon spent Thursday with the #Chiefs on a Top 30 visit, source said. He's also slated to visit the #Dolphins, #Giants, #Jets, and #Commanders.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Chiefs will have to decide if Lemon is the right fit for them with their two first-round picks, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to Super Bowl contention.

The takeaway

Makai Lemon's visit with the Chiefs highlights the team's need to bolster their receiving corps as they aim to get back on track with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. Lemon's elite production at USC makes him an intriguing option for the Chiefs, who will have to weigh his potential impact against their other draft needs.