USC star wideout Makai Lemon headlined the group of 13 semifinalists announced Monday for the 2025 Biletnikoff Award, presented annually by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation to the nation’s most outstanding FBS receiver regardless of position.
Lemon has been one of college football’s most dynamic playmakers this season, posting 71 receptions for 1,090 yards and 10 total touchdowns. The sophomore continued his surge over the weekend, recording 10 catches for 153 yards and a score in USC’s win over Iowa. His fifth 100-yard performance of the year. He enters Week 13 ranking third nationally in receiving yards and touchdown receptions and sixth in total catches.
Lemon is Pro Football Focus’ top-graded receiver in the country, boasting a 92.1 receiving grade and 91.2 overall offensive grade. His 467 yards after the catch rank sixth nationally, and his 19 forced missed tackles place him fifth. Lemon is also a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the College Player of the Year.
This year’s semifinalists, listed alphabetically, include Chris Bell (Louisville), Skyler Bell (UConn), Germie Bernard (Alabama), Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee), Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), Mario Craver (Texas A&M), Lemon (USC), Eric McAlister (TCU), Duce Robinson (Florida State), Elijah Sarratt (Indiana), Danny Scudero (San Jose State), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Carnell Tate (Ohio State).
Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.