The anticipation surrounding the 2026 NFL Combine has reached a fever pitch, with all eyes on one of college football’s most electrifying playmakers: Makai Lemon. The former USC Trojans wide receiver has been a focal point for several NFL teams, including the New York Giants and New York Jets, as he prepares to showcase his skills in Indianapolis. With a resume that sparkles with accolades and a personality brimming with confidence, Lemon has become one of the most talked-about prospects ahead of the NFL Draft.
On Friday, February 27, 2026, Lemon met with the media before taking the field for position drills at the Combine. The conversation quickly shifted to his potential fit with NFL teams and his outlook on playing at the next level. When asked about the possibility of joining the New York Giants and lining up alongside young stars like Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo, and Jaxson Dart, Lemon didn’t hesitate to express his excitement. “Yeah, I met with them, and it would be a huge blessing. Those guys are young guys, you know? They’re great players, so to be alongside them would be cool,” he said. The Giants, looking to bolster their receiving corps, have Lemon firmly on their radar as they consider options to replace Wan’Dale Robinson, who is set to become a free agent in March.
Lemon’s college career at USC is nothing short of spectacular. Over three seasons, he hauled in 137 receptions for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns. His breakout year came in 2025, when he reeled in 79 catches for 1,159 yards and found the end zone 11 times. That campaign earned him the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top college wide receiver, and solidified his status as a unanimous All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection. “Anywhere I go on the field, you know, I’mma dominate. Don’t matter if I’m inside, outside. Don’t matter where I’m at, I’m gonna do my best to that. If you put me on the field anywhere, you know, you gon’ see that,” Lemon declared, responding to ESPN’s Turron Davenport about his versatility.
It’s not just Lemon’s stats that have scouts salivating. His all-around game has made him a Swiss Army knife for the Trojans. Over his college career, he racked up 2,835 all-purpose yards, proving himself not only as a top-tier receiver but also as a threat rushing the ball, returning kicks and punts, and even stepping in at cornerback when injuries decimated the USC secondary. He’s even thrown passes in live action—talk about a do-it-all athlete!
While Lemon’s numbers speak for themselves, it’s his mentality that truly sets him apart. “I’m tryin’ to get in the end zone. I ain’t gon’ let nobody in my way stop me from doing that. You know, the fastest way I can do that, I’mma do that for sure,” he confidently told reporters. That trademark swagger, familiar to USC fans, has drawn comparisons to former Trojan and current Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown. “I’d probably say Amon-Ra St. Brown. You know, the type of grit he plays with, the type of way he can have a positive impact on the team without the ball in his hands,” Lemon said of his playing style. St. Brown, now a two-time First Team NFL All-Pro, built his reputation on toughness and versatility—traits Lemon clearly admires and emulates.
It’s not just the Giants who have taken notice. The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns have also met with Lemon during the Combine, with the Jets reportedly eyeing both Lemon and Jordyn Tyson as potential additions to their receiving corps. With the Jets’ offense looking for a spark and the Browns seeking more playmakers, Lemon’s ability to line up anywhere on the field makes him an attractive option for any team in need of a game-changer.
Lemon’s draft stock has soared thanks to his consistent production and highlight-reel plays. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, he consistently plays bigger than his frame suggests, outmuscling defenders for contested catches and making defenders miss in the open field. In 2025 alone, he made countless acrobatic grabs and turned short passes into big gains, cementing his reputation as a receiver who can create something out of nothing.
Despite his confidence, Lemon remains grounded in his approach to the game. “I’m there just to be the best teammate I can be. You know if it’s blocking or pass catching, no matter what it is,” he told reporters. That selfless attitude, combined with his relentless work ethic, has made him a favorite among coaches and teammates alike. His willingness to contribute on special teams and even defense when called upon speaks volumes about his commitment to winning.
As the 2026 NFL Combine continues, Lemon has made the strategic decision to participate in position drills but will sit out the athletic testing drills. Instead, he’ll let his game film and live reps do the talking. The wide receivers are scheduled to take the field on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET, and scouts from across the league will be watching closely to see how Lemon performs in drills designed to showcase route running, hands, and football IQ.
With Wan’Dale Robinson’s future in New York uncertain and teams like the Jets and Browns eager to inject youth and explosiveness into their lineups, Lemon’s landing spot remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the pre-draft process. Whether he ends up catching passes from Jaxson Dart in blue or adding firepower to the Jets’ aerial attack, one thing’s for sure: Makai Lemon isn’t lacking in confidence or talent.
As teams finalize their draft boards and fans speculate about potential trades and signings, Lemon’s journey from USC standout to NFL hopeful is a testament to hard work, versatility, and a never-back-down attitude. The next chapter in his football story is about to be written, and the league is watching with bated breath. The action at the NFL Combine is ongoing, and all eyes will be on Lemon as he looks to turn heads and solidify his status as a first-round pick.