USC WR Makai Lemon Declares for 2026 NFL Draft

LOS ANGELES — University of Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon, the nation's top pass catcher after a standout 2025 season, announced Wednesday that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The 21-year-old junior from Orange County, who grew up about 25 miles from USC's campus, shared his decision in a social media post. "USC will forever hold a special place in my heart," Lemon wrote. "I'm a Los Angeles native, and the opportunity to play this game in the city that raised me was something I envisioned long before it became reality. Competing in front of my family, friends and community made this experience even more meaningful, and I'll always be proud to have represented this university and this city." He added that the choice came after "careful thought and prayer" and expressed gratitude to his coaches, teammates and family.

Lemon's announcement caps a remarkable career at USC, where he played all three of his college seasons from 2023 to 2025. As a freshman, he saw limited action, but he broke out as a sophomore with 52 receptions for 764 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games. This season, Lemon elevated his game further,...