The wide receiver position is one of the most important in football. While only a few select cream of the crop receivers end up in consideration for the Heisman Trophy, the goal for each one is the Fred Biletnikoff Award. Awarded annually since 1994, the Biletnikoff Award is given to the top pass-catcher in college football. While tight ends are eligible for the honor, it has been solely given out to wide receivers.
The award is named after Fred Biletnikoff, the former Florida State standout receiver. He suited up for the Seminoles from 1962 through 1964. While he didn’t have the elite, breakaway speed some of the receivers of today have, he was as sure-handed and as polished a route runner as could be. After his time in Tallahassee, Biletnikoff was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round. He had a 14-year NFL career before returning to coach, and he even played a season in the Canadian Football League.
This year, there was a clear set of top-tier receivers worthy of being finalists for this year’s award. USC’s Makai Lemon beat out Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and UCONN’s Skylar Bell to become just the second Trojan to win the Biletnikoff Award. With the win, Lemon joined Marquise Lee (2012).
USC’s Makai Lemon Wins The Biletnikoff Award
By far the most dominant player on the USC offense this year, Lemon broke out thanks to a few key departures from last year’s team. Despite entering the season as a WR2 to a former five-star (who transferred to Georgia), Lemon made his impact. USC’s offense wasn’t as good as it is this year, but Lemon led the way as a sophomore with 764 yards and three touchdowns on 52 receptions.
This year, he stepped up. While the focus may have started on his teammate, Ja’Kobi Lane (525 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024), Lemon took over. Through 12 games for the Trojans, Lemon amassed a Big Ten-best 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns (second-best) on 79 receptions (also second-best).
Lemon had five 100-yard performances this year and three multi-score games, including an impressive 11-catch, 151-yard, two-touchdown performance in the loss to Illinois.
As of now, he has not indicated his plans for the future regarding the NFL Draft or his participation in the Alamo Bowl vs. TCU.
Main Image: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
