We are officially in award nomination season, and the USC Trojans are rolling in the noms. One of the most prolific and recognizable awards is the Biletnikoff, given to the nation’s best receiver.
Any player who catches passes is eligible for the award, so while it is widely considered an award for wide receivers, slot receivers, tight ends, and running backs are permitted.
The 2025 watch list was just announced, and USC Trojans receiver Makai Lemon was nominated to the prestigious list.
USC Trojans Receiver Makai Lemon Named To 2025 Biletnikoff Award Watch List
While he did not boast gaudy numbers last year, Lemon was arguably the most consistent receiver in his room.
He led the team with 52 receptions and 764 yards, and added 3 touchdowns. He also fielded 19 kickoff returns, garnering 514 yards. He will likely be a contender for the Paul Hornung Award in 2025, which awards college football’s most versatile player.
He was selected as an All-Big Ten Offensive Honorable Mention and an All-Big Ten Return Specialist Third Team.
Going into this season, Lemon is widely viewed as one of the top receivers in the Big Ten, and potentially the best wide receiver in the 2026 Draft pool, if he chooses to enter after his junior season.
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Lemon is one of 12 players nominated in the Big Ten, and surprisingly, the only player named from the USC Trojans (more on that in a future article).
The award was created in 1994, and the only Trojan to win up to this point has been Marqise Lee in 2012. Can Makai Lemon be the next?
A big season from Lemon will mean good things are happening for the Trojans and Jayden Maiava. He could cap it off with team and personal accolades.
Thoughts, Trojan family? Comment below.