Former USC receiver Makai Lemon goes viral over NFL combine interview

Friday offered up the chance for many NFL fans to get their first glimpse of Makai Lemon, and it's safe to say more than a few million were intrigued by what they saw.

The former USC standout - a projected first-round pick - met with a throng of reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis for the first time since he announced his intentions to leave college for the draft, and at least one of his answers to questions had football aficionados mesmerized.

USC WR Makai Lemon on who he models his game after and looks up to in the NFL pic.twitter.com/ZozjmE65qj

- Bryce DeGroat (@NFL_Convo) February 27, 2026

While at a podium wearing his combine-issued No. 25 hoodie, Lemon was asked which NFL player he modeled his game after.

I'd probably say Amon-Ra St. Brown," Lemon said. The type of grit he plays with. The way he can have a positive impact on the team without the ball in his hands."

Makai Lemon met with reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Friday. AP

The response was hardly surprising. St. Brown, after all, is an SC alum and one of the best wideouts in the NFL.

But the way the 21-year-old looked and moved while speaking with the journalist sent social media into a frenzy.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!

Over 5.5 million people viewed one of the videos of the press conference on X, and hundreds left comments on it, with many suggesting he was perhaps too locked in."

Makai Lemon was a superstar at USC, winning the Biletnikoff Award last year. Getty Images

Regardless, Lemon has a chance to prove this week he's deserving of a top-10 pick.

Receivers are scheduled to work out in on-field drills on Saturday, and Lemon - the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner - is expected to participate.

A good workout, in addition to a now-viral clip, might be all he needs to take the next step toward NFL stardom.