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Makai Lemon has a special bond with his teammate and fellow USC commitment Malachi Nelson that stretches years into the past and looks to continue years into the future. “(We’ve) just got super close,” Lemon said about his bond with Nelson. “Our families got close. (We’ve) stuck together as a duo through Pop Warner.” Lemon connected with the Five-Star Plus+ quarterback for more than 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2021 after racking up 756 yards and nine scores in the spring 2021 season. “They’re like twins,” Los Alamitos coach Ray Fenton told the Long Beach Press-Telegram. “They can finish each other’s sentence.” The connection is so strong that both Lemon and Nelson were committed to Oklahoma with each other at one point. Now they’re both pledged to USC. Lemon’s parents are Brandy and Mike Lemon. Lemon played his freshman season at La Mirada.

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Los Alamitos

Makai Lemon

Wide Receiver

There is renewed excitement across the spectrum of California programs from USC to UCLA, from Cal to Stanford - and for good reason.  The Trojans are

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Rivals Football Recruiting

Rivals

Home sweet home: California teams working to keep elite recruits home

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Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Makai Lemon is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 20 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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On3 NFL Draft

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On3 Football

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Screenshot 2026-04-26 at 9.25.52 AM

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Apr 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A 2026 NFL Draft stage activation at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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KSR+

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WeAreSC

From Cornerback Snaps to Biletnikoff Award Winner: Makai Lemon’s USC Rise Explained

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USC wide receiver Makai Lemon scores a touchdown against Northwestern

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USC wide receiver Makai Lemon runs for a touchdown against Northwestern

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