
10/03/2025
Lincoln Riley points out 2 Makai Lemon traits
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley couldn't contain his admiration for star wide receiver Makai Lemon during Tuesday's presser, spotlighting two standout traits that have the junior exploding onto the national scene: versatility and consistency. Coming off a bye week following a gut-wrenching 34-32 upset loss to Illinois—where Lemon torched the secondary for 11 catches, 151 yards, and two touchdowns—Riley sees Lemon as the ultimate offensive chess piece."He's a guy we feel like can do a lot of different things well on the field," Riley said. "That allows us to use him in different areas, be creative, and get him in situations where the advantage is ours." Lemon's multi-tool arsenal—deep threats, slot quicks, and contested grabs—has unlocked new dimensions for quarterback Jayden Maiava, who's leaned on him for 311 yards and three scores through five games.But it's Lemon's unflinching reliability that truly elevates him. "His versatility and consistency really stand out," Riley added, noting no complacency despite PFF's preseason WR1 nod and rising 2026 NFL Draft buzz. The 6-foot target, who moonlighted as a high school QB and DB, has eclipsed 100 yards in three outings, anchoring USC's push for Big Ten redemption.