Makai Lemon, Kamari Ramsey, Elijah Paige to Represent USC Trojans at Big Ten Media Days

Lemon, a former four-star recruit in the 2023 cycle, played both on sides of the ball during his freshman season as a wide receiver and cornerback. He became a full-time receiver in 2024 and stepped into a starting role. 

Lemon recorded his first career touchdown in week 2 against Utah State. He suffered a scary injury against in Week 4 when he collided with a Michigan player while covering a punt. Lemon left the game in an ambulance, but when he returned to lineup after missing one game, he became a go-to target on offense and electric returner in the kicking game. 

The Southern California native had three consecutive games in October where he recorded a new career-high in receptions or receiving yards. His best performance came against Rutgers in week 9 when he posted 256 all-purpose, the most by USC player since 2016. Lemon finished first on the team in receptions (52) and receiving yards (764). He earned All-Big Ten Offensive Honorable Mention and All-Big Ten Third Team honors as a return specialist. 

Paige, who was also a four-star recruit in the 2023 cycle, saw action in five game and earned his first career start in the Holiday Bowl as true freshman. That propelled him into becoming a full-time starter last season. 

He started all 13 games at left tackle. After a shaky performance against Michigan in week 4, that saw him get benched at halftime, the Arizona native began to settle into his role. He showed tremendous growth as the season progressed. 

The 6-foot-7, 320-pound Paige was named to the FWAA Freshman All-American Team and earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. 

Ramsey followed defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn when he left UCLA to join the USC staff following the conclusion of the 2023 season. 

The Sierra Canyon (Calif.) product was instrumental in turning around a Trojans defense that ranked at the bottom of almost every statistical category in 2023. Ramsey tallied 60 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, two sacks, five PBUs and an interception in 11 games last season. 

He chose to forgo the 2025 NFL Draft and return to school for another season. Ramsey is the only returning starter from the secondary. The redshirt junior will take on the role of wearing the green dot this upcoming season. The green dot signifies which player that is allowed to communicate with their sidelines via radio.