Makai Lemon, standing at 5’11” and weighing in at 190 pounds, had been making his mark this season with 45 yards on four receptions, including a touchdown. However, during the first quarter, with USC trailing Michigan, Lemon was tackled in what some on social media speculated might have been a cheap shot. After the hit, he was visibly in distress, remaining on the ground as USC’s medical team rushed to his side.

Saturday’s Michigan-USC game took a heartbreaking turn when USC’s wide receiver, Makai Lemon, went down after a punt return. Lemon, a talented sophomore out of Los Alamitos, CA, has been a key player for the Trojans this season, and seeing him laid out on the field sent shockwaves through the stadium. What started as a regular punt return quickly turned into a nerve-racking moment.

The entire USC squad gathered around Lemon as medical staff attended to him. He was eventually helped off the field but didn’t return to the game. In a shocking twist, Lemon was later seen being loaded into an ambulance. “The entirety of USC’s program going over to Makai Lemon after he was down on the field for a few minutes with an injury,” reported Luca Evans on X.

What made the moment even more chilling was the uncertainty of the injury. Was it a head injury? Or something more severe? No one knew for sure. But as Ryan Dyrud tweeted, “Makai Lemon will not return. He was loaded into an ambulance. Wow, prayers for his health.” Everyone held their breath, hoping for the best.

Makai Lemon has been a vital cog in the USC Trojans’ machine this season. Coming off a strong freshman year, the sophomore wide receiver was expected to take a bigger role in the offense. With USC gunning for a 3-0 start under the leadership of quarterback Miller Moss, Lemon was becoming one of the primary targets for deep throws and red-zone plays.

The fallout from Makai Lemon’s Absence

In the 2024 season leading up to this Michigan clash, Lemon’s stats showed he was a reliable option. With an average of 11.3 yards per reception and already one touchdown under his belt, he was carving out his role as a dependable weapon in USC’s offensive arsenal. His quickness and agility made him a threat on punt returns as well—just like the one that led to his injury.

The reaction to his injury speaks volumes about how important Lemon is to this team.  Teammates, fans, and even analysts have expressed their concern, with the Trojan fan base collectively holding their breath for updates.

With Lemon out of the game, USC’s offense immediately felt the loss. Miller Moss, already struggling with communication issues due to the Michigan crowd noise, seemed more hesitant without Lemon as an option. The dynamic wide receiver’s absence forced the Trojans to adjust their game plan on the fly, but the offense sputtered at times. Going into the two-minute warning of the first half, the Wolverines are leading 14-3, primarily due to their effective run-game. The RBs have twice carved open the USC defense, and both times, the plays resulted in touchdowns. USC’s offense got going in the second quarter but couldn’t convert it into a touchdown and settled with a field goal. The game may just get away, especially given Lemon’s absence.

Coach Lincoln Riley and his staff will now have to figure out how to move forward. For now, all eyes are on the USC medical staff and their updates on Lemon’s condition. Let’s hope it’s not a serious injury!

If you want some insights on college football, do watch this ES Think Tank podcast episode with Doug Sanders.