Makai Lemon does it all with a crazy trick-or-treat dog
Few players have garnered more attention among college football fans in 2025 than USC receiver Makai Lemon. The junior’s stellar campaign continued early in Week 13, when he showed off his arm on a 24-yard trick-or-treating touchdown pass against Oregon.
Lemon entered Week 13 as the third-leading receiver in the FBS with 1,090 receiving yards. However, he discovered a a surprising touch in passing in the latest addition to his robust highlight reel by finding freshman Tanuk Hines in the end zone on a reverse in the second quarter.
Despite not having a previous quarterback, Lemon threw a near-perfect spiral in the right spot. The pass was high, but it allowed Hines to throw high for a catch in front of Oregon defensive back Aaron Flowers.
Lemon threw in the score after Jayden Maiava hauled in an eight-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. His receiving touchdown gave USC a 7-0 lead over No. 7 Ducks, and his touchdown pass made it 14.
The pass was Lemon’s first of the 2025 season, but he has one previous completion in his career. It was used on a similar play against UCLA in 2024, when he completed a 39-yard pass to Kyron Hudson to set up the final score. However, Lemon’s completion to Hines marked the first passing touchdown of his career.
Lemon’s pass was the latest part of USC’s attempt to expand its offensive creativity. After months of criticism from fans, Lincoln Riley opened up his book in particular in recent weeks with a slew of tricks including controversial fake punt against Northwestern in the 11th week.
2025-11-22 22:19:00
