Makai Lemon 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for USC, wide receiver

The USC Trojans have produced another great wide receiver in Makai Lemon.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer

Jan 23, 2026 12:38 PM EST

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs for a first down before he is stopped by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30), defensive back Rod Moore (19) and defensive end Cameron Brandt (9) in the second half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. — Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
Year: Third-year junior
Pro Comparison: Jordan Addison

2025 NFL Combine Results

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Hand Size: xxx
Arm Length: xxx
40-Yard Dash: xxx
Vertical Leap: xxx
Broad Jump: xxx
20-Yard Shuttle: xxx
3-Cone: xxx

Pros of Makai Lemon

Does a really nice job at the top of the stem with manipulation. Understands how to use leverage to his advantage when going vertical to create separation.
Despite his size, Lemon is an excellent jump ball receiver. He doesn’t get deterred by contact through the course of the route and attacks the ball in the air at its highest point.
Is a willing and engaged blocker who puts in real effort. Displays good hand placement and doesn’t lose ground to defensive backs
Displays plus athleticism in both linear and lateral movements. He snaps off routes without losing momentum and builds up speed to stack cornerbacks

Makai Lemon does a tremendous job attacking the defender's leverage when going vertically pic.twitter.com/lUgw2R2g1Q
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) January 23, 2026

Cons of Makai Lemon

Lacks elite explosion out of the blocks. Doesn’t accelerate well, but rather gets to top speed gradually.
Size can be a factor for Lemon. He has a smaller catch radius, which impacts him in traffic.

Background

Lemon is a four-star recruit out of Los Alamitos, California, ranking as the 50th overall prospect and ninth receiver per 247 Sports. He became a solid contributor as a sophomore in 2024 with 52 catches for 764 yards and three touchdowns, but this past season was a big one for Lemon. He earned All-American honors with a massive season, catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is one of the top wide receivers in the NFL Draft.

Player Evaluation

Lemon is one of the easier evaluations in this class. While he’s a little bit shorter, Lemon doesn’t lack bulk at 195 pounds. He plays well through contact when necessary and is a good jump ball receiver. Through his career, he caught 16-28 contested catches, including 10-15 last season. He doesn’t just win in tight spaces; Lemon creates separation with his athleticism. While he lacks an elite first step out of the block, he’s plenty fast once he gets moving, attacking the leverage of cornerbacks consistently. He’s one of the best players in this draft class.