What Makai Lemon's All-American Honors Mean For USC Trojans

Lemon is leaving behind a legacy at USC as the program's first unanimous First Team All-American since quarterback Caleb Williams and linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu in 2022. He also makes the first USC wide receiver to receive since Marqise Lee in 2012, who also won the Biletnikoff.

Lemon was no doubt one of the strongest, and most impressive, receivers in all of college football this season. From his stats on paper, to his numerous season awards, to his tape, he became another elite receiver that contributes to USC's nickname of "Wide Receiver U."

In recent years, USC has produced pass-catchers who now dominate in the NFL, including Detroit Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown, London, Indianapolis Colts Michael Pittman Jr. and Kansas City Chiefs' Juju Smith-Schuster. At his rate, Lemon will likley join that list very soon.

Lemon's legacy will now live on through the incoming class and the younger talents, like wide receiver Tanook Hines and Zacharyus Williams, and 2026 signees Trent Mosley, Kayden Dixon Wyatt and Ethan "Boobie" Feaster, to name a few. While matching Lemon's caliber may be difficult, having a returning quarterback like Jayden Maiava can help build the foundation that Lemon helped establish.

Who's Next After Lemon

Even before Lemon officially declared for the NFL Draft, he had already opted out of the Alamo Bowl, as well as receiver Ja'Kobi Lane. Now facing a Big 12 opponent in TCU, it's coach Lincoln Riley's time to find his next starting wide receiver.

Although there's a chance they could go after a veteran wide receiver from the transfer portal in January, Riley has a few wide receivers he could put the test on Dec. 30, including Hines and Williams. Hines was one of the three starting wide receivers this season as a true freshman, and immediately gave Trojan fans a show with his athleticism and his highlight reel catches.

Starting in January, the Trojans welcome the early 2026 signing class, which will bring in Dixon-Wyatt and Mosley to the room, starting a position competition in spring camp.

Mosley’s playing style and on-paper production could remind Trojan fans of Lemon. His ability to break tackles and make difficult catches fits well with Maiava’s style of quarterback play. Dixon-Wyatt also brings elite route-running to the table, making him a strong candidate in the receiver room, while his size mirrors that of Lane.

The Trojans wide receiver competition can start as early as spring camp, but USC will first compete against TCU in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30.