The 2026 NFL Draft wide receiver race is somewhat wide open, but USC\u2019s Makai Lemon is closing fast. <\/p>\n
Long viewed as a potential late first-rounder, Lemon has elevated his game to the point where scouts are wondering if he belongs in the same top-10 tier as Arizona State\u2019s Jordyn Tyson.<\/p>\n
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Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images \/ Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
ESPN\u2019s NFL Draft<\/a> team framed the debate in its Week 5 update. <\/p>\n Analyst Matt Miller leaned Tyson\u2019s way, praising the Sun Devils junior as \u201crunning away from the pack\u201d after an eight-catch, 126-yard, two-touchdown showcase against TCU. <\/p>\n \u201cTyson has improved his consistency as a pass catcher while still being the run-after-catch threat that made him so unstoppable last season,\u201d Miller wrote, highlighting the 6-2, 200-pounder\u2019s growth as a complete prospect.<\/p>\n Aug 30, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter between Arizona State Sun Devils and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images \/ Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images<\/p>\n But ESPN\u2019s Jordan Reid made the counterpoint \u2014 Lemon\u2019s production is impossible to ignore. <\/p>\n Against Illinois, the 5-11 junior exploded for 11 catches, 151 yards, and two touchdowns, including a miraculous fourth-quarter grab that showcased his balance and body control. <\/p>\n \u201cLemon is a savvy route runner who catches everything, and he can be effective from the slot or on the outside,\u201d Reid wrote. \u201cI actually think he can battle Tyson as a WR1 candidate.\u201d<\/p>\n Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) carries the ball against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images \/ Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Through five games, both receivers are producing at a high level, though in very different ways.<\/p>\n For USC, Makai Lemon has piled up 35 receptions for 589 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an explosive 16.8 yards per catch and nearly 118 yards per game. <\/p>\n He\u2019s moved the chains on 14 of those catches, with 11 receptions of 15 yards or more and three going for over 25 yards.<\/p>\n Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs for a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images \/ Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n On the other side, Arizona State\u2019s Jordyn Tyson has been just as productive, though in a different profile. <\/p>\n He leads with 39 receptions for 483 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 12.4 yards per catch and a steady 96.6 yards per game. <\/p>\n Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats Jack Luttrell defensive back Jack Luttrell (13) tackles Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) during the first half at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images \/ Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images<\/p>\n He\u2019s been a first-down machine, converting 25 of his catches into new sets of downs, while also adding 13 receptions of 15 yards or more, three of 25 yards or more, and a long grab of 57 yards.<\/p>\n Where Tyson wins with red-zone efficiency and chain-moving reliability, Lemon counters with efficiency and big-play pop that few defenders can contain.<\/p>\n MORE: USC Trojans Quarterback Jayden Maiava Shows Human Side In Upset Loss To Illinois<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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