Countdown to kickoff is back! USC will kick off its 2026 football season on August 29 when the Trojans host San Jose State at the Coliseum. In this series, we will be counting down the days until the season opener by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number.
Today, we look at a player who actually wore two different numbers during his time in Cardinal and Gold in former USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
Position: Wide receiver
Years played at USC: 2023-2025
Career highlights: Lemon wore the No. 24 as a true freshman at USC in 2023, before switching to No. 6 prior to the 2024 season. The number change proved to be effective, as he improved from just six receptions for 54 yards his first season to 52 for 764 as a sophomore, leading the team
in both categories.
As a junior in 2025, Lemon established himself as the best wide receiver in college football. He caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning Unanimous All-American honors. He became the second Trojan to win the Biletnikoff Award, presented annually to the top pass catcher in the country.
After USC: Lemon declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Philadelphia Eagles selected Lemon with the No. 20 overall pick. He is set to make his NFL debut with the team next month.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon
