USC's Makai Lemon Earns Promising Ranking Among Rookie Receivers

The Trojans' star wideout is projected to be one of the first receivers taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:36am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the silhouetted forms of football players in motion, their bodies broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color that capture the raw energy and intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a standout college football receiver's dynamic movements and potential to make an impact at the next level.Los Angeles Today

USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon is ranked as one of the top rookie fantasy football players for the 2026 season. Lemon, who won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver in college football, is projected to be among the first wide receivers selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Lemon's standout 2025 season and strong NFL Combine performance have him positioned as one of the most promising young receivers entering the league. His success could provide a boost to the USC program and help fuel the Trojans' return to national prominence.

The details

Lemon measured in at 5-11, 192 pounds at the 2026 NFL Combine, where he posted a prospect grade of 6.47 from NFL Next Gen Stats, projecting him to 'become a good starter within two years.' His production score of 91 ranked No. 1 among all receivers at the Combine. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Lemon is ranked No. 13 overall and projected to be selected No. 11 by the Miami Dolphins.

  • Lemon won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in college football.
  • Lemon participated in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February.

The players

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver for the USC Trojans who won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award and is projected to be one of the first receivers selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who is ranked as the top fantasy rookie by Sports Illustrated's Michael Fabiano.

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes who is ranked as the second-best fantasy rookie by Fabiano.

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver for the Arizona State Sun Devils who is ranked as the fourth-best fantasy rookie by Fabiano.

Kenyon Sadiq

A tight end for the Oregon Ducks who is ranked as the fifth-best fantasy rookie by Fabiano.

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The takeaway

Makai Lemon's standout 2025 season and strong NFL Combine performance have him positioned as one of the most promising young receivers entering the league. His success could provide a boost to the USC program and help fuel the Trojans' return to national prominence.