Makai Lemon

Makai Lemon (born June 2, 2004) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans, winning the 2025 Fred Biletnikoff Award, and was selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Early life Lemon was born on June 2, 2004 in Los Alamitos, California. He grew up playing football as a wide receiver and was close friends with quarterback Malachi Nelson, with them playing for the same Pop Warner team and winning a national championship. He initially attended La Mirada High School, where he caught 57 receptions for 784 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman, in addition to four interceptions as a defensive back on defense. He received his first scholarship offer from the Colorado Buffaloes during the first month of his freshman season.

After his freshman season, Lemon transferred to Los Alamitos High School as a sophomore, where he joined Malachi Nelson. He then recorded 65 receptions for 1,062 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior in 2021. He was named first-team junior All-American and first-team all-state by MaxPreps. He initially committed to play college football for the Oklahoma Sooners along with Malachi Nelson. However, he later flipped his commitment along with Nelson to the USC Trojans, after coach Lincoln Riley left the Sooners for the Trojans.

College career As a freshman at USC in 2023, Lemon saw limited playing time and caught six passes for 88 yards. Towards the end of the season, he played at cornerback as well as wide receiver due to injuries to the Trojans' players. In 2024, Lemon had a breakout game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, totaling 256 all-purpose yards while scoring a touchdown. He saw more action as the 2024 season went on and finished as USC's leading receiver with 52 receptions for 764 yards.

Lemon was the recipient of the 2025 Fred Biletnikoff Award, surpassing fellow finalists Skyler Bell of UConn and Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State. He is the second Biletnikoff winner in USC football history, following Marqise Lee in 2012. On December 17, 2025, Lemon declared for the 2026 NFL draft.

Professional career

Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round, with the 20th overall pick, of the 2026 NFL draft. He was on the phone with Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan, who planned to draft him with the 21st overall pick, when Philadelphia called to tell him they jumped up to take him at pick 20.

On April 30, Lemon announced at a press conference that he will wear No. 9, becoming the first Eagles player to wear that number since Nick Foles in 2018.

Lemon officially signed a fully guaranteed rookie scale contract for four-years, $20.8 million on May 1.

Career statistics College Legend Bold Career high

Season Team Games Receiving Rushing GP GS Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD 2023 USC 9 0 6 88 14.7 0 — — — — 2024 USC 12 6 52 764 14.7 3 — — — — 2025 USC 12 11 79 1,156 14.6 11 9 4 0.4 2 Career 33 17 137 2,008 14.7 14 9 4 0.4 2

Personal life Lemon's family has Native Hawaiian roots. He was named the Polynesian Football Player of the Year for 2025.